To commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary, a service was held at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Lagos, on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the service was more than a celebration of independence and that it was a moment of gratitude, reflection and renewed faith in the Nigerian project.

“Sixty-six years ago, Nigeria embarked on a journey of self-government with great expectations and enormous possibilities. Over the decades, we have experienced moments of triumph and moments of trials. Seasons of progress and seasons that have tested our national resolve. Yet, through it all, Nigeria has endured. And because Nigeria has endured, Nigeria shall rise again,” Sanwo-olu said.

Speaking about the theme of the service, A Nation of Hope, Healing and Revival, the governor said that it spoke powerfully to Nigeria’s national moment. He added that hope is the conviction that Nigeria’s present circumstances do not have the final word.

“As a people, we have every reason to remain hopeful. We are blessed with a youthful and energetic population, immense human capacity, abundant natural resources, creativity, enterprise and a resilience that has repeatedly enabled Nigerians to overcome difficult circumstances as we continue to build, create, innovate and serve.”
According to him, Lagos has seen what is possible when determination, innovation and collective purpose come together.

“From expanding our transport infrastructure and investing in education and healthcare, to strengthening security, supporting enterprise and building a cleaner, more sustainable city, we are steadily laying the foundations for the Lagos we aspire to leave for future generations. And we are not stopping. We will continue to build, innovate and invest in our people—because a greater Lagos and a greater Nigeria are both possible.”

He said that Nigeria will build a country it prays for through honest work, responsible citizenship, excellence, compassion and a renewed commitment to the common good. He added that Nigeria will raise a generation that understands that leadership is a responsibility, citizenship a duty, and success is best measured not only by what we acquire, but by what we contribute.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the churches and citizens have roles to play in this renewal.

“As people of faith, we must continue to pray for Nigeria—but our prayers must also produce action. Let our prayers make us better citizens in all spheres of life. On this 66th Independence Anniversary, our prayer is simple but profound: “There shall be a new Nigeria” This decree we all must make. We’ll see the Nation of our dream as we commit to prayers. A new Nigeria, new Nigeria I see

Our story is changing for good. A great nation shall be born,” said the governor.

Governor Sanwo-olu also stated that the story of Nigeria is still being written, adding that he believed that, by the grace of God, Nigeria’s brightest chapters are still ahead of it.

Let us move forward with faith, hope and courage, united in purpose and confident that, with God on our side, a greater Nigeria is within our reach.

“As we celebrate 66 years of nationhood, let us renew our faith in God and our commitment to Nigeria, and together dedicate ourselves to building the nation of our dreams. A Nigeria where every child can dream, and has the opportunity to fulfil that dream. A Nigeria where our diversity is not a source of division, but a strength; where our shared humanity unites us and our common destiny inspires us,” he said.