As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, Island Club, Lagos, will host a grand independence lecture and awards night on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the historic Peacock Hall.

The event, themed “Nigeria and the African Reawakening: The Giant That Must Not Sleep”, will focus on Nigeria’s responsibility as Africa’s beacon of hope and its role in the continent’s political and economic renewal.

Renowned Pan-Africanist and legal luminary, Professor P. L. O. Lumumba, will deliver the keynote lecture. Discussants include Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, former Lagos State Governor; Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, former Minister of External Affairs and Special Guest of Honour; and Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN.

The proceedings will be documented by Professor Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).

The evening will culminate in an awards ceremony honouring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the current Grand Patron of the Club, alongside past Grand Patrons and former Presidents General Yakubu Gowon, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr Goodluck Jonathan