Federal Palace Resort marked Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day with a ceremony at its Lagos property on Thursday, recalling its role in the country’s 1960 independence celebrations.

The hotel’s Independence Hall hosted Nigeria’s official Independence celebration in 1960, while a state ball took place at the Palace Hotel during the festivities.

Welcoming guests, General Manager of  the resort, Anton Perera, said the occasion carried special meaning because of the resort’s place in Nigeria’s history.

“Today is a particularly meaningful occasion for us because we are gathered at a place that holds a special position in the history of this great nation. Federal Palace resort is not simply a resort; it is a place deeply connected to Nigeria’s journey to independence. It was here, within these historic surroundings, that important events leading to Nigeria’s independence took place, including the signing of the historic independence documents,” he said.

Perera said the anniversary should also prompt reflection on the country’s future.

“May this occasion remind us of our shared history, our shared identity and our shared responsibility towards the future of Nigeria. May Nigeria continue to grow in peace, unity and prosperity,” he said.

Sales, Marketing and Operations Manager, Jesse Benjamin, said the hotel’s main boardroom was the setting for the signing of Nigeria’s Declaration of Independence.

“A walk down memory lane takes us to 1960, when Nigeria was preparing to become an independent nation. The main boardroom of the Federal Palace Hotel became the setting for the signing of the country’s Declaration of Independence,” he said.

Benjamin said letters and records preserved at the property offer a glimpse of the moment and the leaders who shaped the country’s history, including Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo.

Curated Events Manager, Manal Nassar, said the hotel’s history, lawns, waterfront and indoor and outdoor spaces could help create varied experiences for guests.

“When I look at Federal Palace, I don’t just see a venue; I see a place with history, character, and the potential to create experiences people genuinely remember,” she said. Nassar also pointed to the property’s setting within Lagos, saying it offered guests a chance to step away from the city’s pace without leaving it.

She said her approach to event planning was to build on the property’s features and give people reasons to stay and explore. Music, culture, art, food, sport, wellness, business and social gatherings, she said, could each have a place at the resort.

“The aim is not simply to fill a space with an event but to make the most of what Federal Palace already has and create experiences that feel connected to the place,” she said.

The lobby was decorated in white and green, while staff wore the national colours.