• Dismisses marginalisation claims, declares Oct. 1 holiday
• Adeboye canvasses new Nigeria, intercedes
• Economic situation calls for deep reflection, says CPPE

The Federal Government has described Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary as a moment of sober reflection, declaring that the country remains a “work in progress” but on the path of recovery and inclusive growth under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
  
While cancelling the previously scheduled parade to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, it declared tomorrow, October 1, as a public holiday for the event.
  
As the country clocks 65, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Enoch Adeboye, has decried its level of growth of Independence, while canvassing a new dawn as an independent nation.
  
On the economic front, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf, canvassed the necessity of reflecting on the country’s economic trajectory to chart a more sustainable, competitive and inclusive path for the future.
 
Addressing journalists at the World Press Conference of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the 65th Independence Anniversary in Abuja, yesterday, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, said Nigeria’s history since 1960 had been one of resilience, endurance and progress despite daunting challenges.
 
He explained that the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation’, was chosen to emphasise shared responsibility in nation-building, adding that “every citizen has a role to play” alongside the government in shaping the country’s future.
 
“At 65, Nigeria is still a work in progress. But with renewed hope, shared responsibility and collective resolve, our best days lie ahead. All hands must truly be on deck for a greater, stronger and more prosperous Nigeria,” Akume said.
 
The Federal Government also appealed to citizens to remain united and committed to the ideals of peace and progress. On the programme of activities, he said the celebrations had commenced with religious services, while the National Campus Debate holds today, leading up to President Tinubu’s national broadcast tomorrow.
 
The decision to cancel the fanfare was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Segun Imohiosen, yesterday. Imohiosen did not provide any reason for the cancellation, but stated that it would not diminish the significance of the anniversary.
 
“Accordingly, all other programmes slated for the Independence Anniversary will remain. The government deeply regrets any inconvenience caused by this cancellation,” he added.
 
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, used the occasion to dismiss claims that the South-East was being marginalised under the present administration. He argued that government projects and appointments reflect fairness and inclusivity across all regions.
 
The minister also rejected narratives that “Nigeria is bleeding,” insisting that the reforms of the Tinubu administration stabilised the economy.
DECLARING the holiday, yesterday, in Abuja, Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, congratulated Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on the historic occasion.
 
Tunji-Ojo enjoined citizens to continue to uphold the patriotic spirit, unity and resilience that sustained the country since 1960. He urged the citizens to further keep faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu, anchored on national rebirth, economic transformation and collective prosperity.
 
The minister expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of all Nigerians, the country would continue to grow stronger in peace, progress and development.

ADEBOYE will host a Special Thanksgiving Service with the theme, ‘The King of kings’ at RCCG headquarters, Ebute-Metta, Lagos on Sunday, October.
Special Assistant to the General Overseer, Administration/Pastor in Charge of RCCG Region 1, Dele Balogun, assured that Adeboye would also be interceding on behalf of government officials, legislators, politicians, electoral institutions, peace-keeping groups, political leaders, elder statesmen, students, right organisations and other citizens of the country.

THE CPPE boss pointed out that the nation’s economy had undergone a profound transformation, shaped by cycles of boom and bust, far-reaching reforms, recurring crises and enduring struggles with diversification.  Going down memory lane, Yusuf said at Independence, Nigeria’s economy was largely agrarian, productive and inclusive. 
 
“Agriculture contributed an estimated 60 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employed the majority of the country’s workforce. Governance was decentralised, with regions controlling resources and revenues, promoting balanced development, accountability and healthy competition. This early experience offered an enduring lesson: decentralisation and local ownership of resources drive innovation and inclusive growth.”
   
He further said the discovery and commercialisation of crude oil radically altered Nigeria’s economic and political trajectory. “By the 1970s, oil had become the dominant source of public revenue and foreign exchange. “However, this dependence made the economy acutely vulnerable to oil price shocks and the sector’s mismanagement undermined fiscal stability and reduced its developmental impact,” he said.