Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu to attend Club’s @65 Independence lecture, awards
As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, the Island Club, Lagos, has announced plans to host a national discourse aimed at reawakening conversations on the country’s economic direction and leadership role in Africa.
Chairman of the club, Dr Rotimi Martins, who spoke during a media briefing yesterday in Lagos State, said the club is leveraging its legacy as a centre for civic and political discourse to reawaken national consciousness around Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and the urgent need for economic transformation.
He said that the theme of the discourse, “Nigeria and the African Reawakening: The Giant That Must Not Sleep,” reflects the club’s concern that Nigeria must not slip into complacency, but rather rekindle its founding ideals of progress, unity, and African leadership.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have been scheduled to attend the Island Club Nigeria @65 Independence lecture and awards night on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the Peacock Hall, Lagos.
Martins added that the 2025 edition would focus on what Nigeria had achieved in 65 years of independence, where the gaps remain, and what must be done to reposition the country for economic transformation.
He said the lecture was intended to trigger action-oriented dialogue about Nigeria’s future, especially around issues of economic sustainability, inclusive governance, and leadership renewal.
Martins, who noted that while progress had been made, much needs to be done to address the structural issues facing the economy and governance institutions, urged policymakers to reassess priorities and reconnect with the founding values that once positioned Nigeria as Africa’s leading light.
However, the keynote lecture will be delivered by a renowned Pan-Africanist and global thought leader, Prof. Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, and will be enriched by a panel discussion featuring former Governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola; former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi; Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, University of Lagos, Wole Olanipekun and moderated by Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Eghosa Osaghae.
Besides, Past Grand Patrons, who served as Presidents of Nigeria, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr Goodluck Jonathan will also be in attendance.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have been scheduled to attend the Island Club Nigeria @65 Independence lecture and awards night on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the Peacock Hall, Lagos.
