The Federal Government has cancelled the parade earlier scheduled to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
The announcement was made on Monday in a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen.
“The Federal Government wishes to announce the cancellation of the Independence Anniversary parade, previously scheduled to mark the 65th Independence on Wednesday, 1st October. The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary,” the statement read.
It added that other activities for the anniversary would proceed as planned, including the presidential broadcast, cultural programmes, and the grand finale of the National Campus Debate.
At a world press conference in Abuja, the SGF, Senator George Akume, said Independence Day remained a moment for sober reflection and patriotism rather than pageantry.
“Independence Day is a profound opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have come as a people, celebrate our resilience, and renew our commitment to unity, peace, and progress,” he said.
He explained that this year’s theme, “Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” underscored the shared responsibility of nation-building. Akume also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as the government’s framework for economic transformation, acknowledging current hardships but assuring Nigerians that ongoing reforms would restore stability, attract investment, and boost growth.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also addressed journalists, describing the anniversary as a “monumental commemoration.” He likened the number 65 to sapphire, symbolising loyalty, truth, and wisdom, and praised Nigeria’s resilience and global leadership role.
He reiterated the call for national unity, saying: “The theme of this 65th Anniversary, ‘All Hands on Deck,’ is a heartfelt call to all Nigerians and our partners around the world to support these landmark reforms and to work together for the Nigeria of our dreams.”
Nigeria, which gained independence from Britain on October 1, 1960, has traditionally marked the day with military parades, religious services, and official addresses.
