Coup rumours: Agbakoba backs Tinubu on replacement of service chiefs.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba, has backed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to replace the nation’s service chiefs, describing it as a wise and timely move, especially amid rumours of an alleged coup plot.

President Tinubu had on Friday announced major changes in the leadership of the armed forces as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security structure. The reshuffle included the appointment of a new Chief of Defence Staff and other top military officers.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Agbakoba said the president’s action showed firmness and decisiveness that were lacking in the previous administration.

“You have a president who is prepared to take tough decisions, and we know that he likes to take tough decisions,” Agbakoba said.

“I think he has done the right thing because his predecessor, the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, did not like to make such decisions and allowed his military team to stay far longer than they should have.”

Reports had linked the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary events on October 1 to an alleged coup attempt. But the Defence Headquarters dismissed the claims, saying the cancellation had no connection to any plot.

The former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) said the timing of the president’s decision was appropriate and showed leadership at a critical moment.

“So, if it is indeed true that there was a rumoured coup, I think he (Tinubu) acted sensibly by doing exactly what he has done,” he said.

“The Flame May Flicker, But It Must Never Die” — Senate President Akpabio Delivers Stirring Independence Message at 65th Anniversary


In a session that beautifully merged celebration with governance, Senate President Godswill Akpabio delivered an emotional address to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, urging unity, resilience, and a renewed sense of national purpose.

Speaking during plenary at the National Assembly, Akpabio congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all Nigerians on the nation’s milestone, describing independence as a timeless reminder of the sacrifices made by heroes who fought for freedom and self-determination.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since 1960, Akpabio described nation-building as an enduring process rather than a one-time event.

“After we hoisted our flag of freedom 65 years ago, we are reminded that the journey of nationhood is not a sprint but a marathon,” he said.
“It is a relay of faith and sacrifice — one generation handing the torch to the next.”


He encouraged Nigerians to remain steadfast amid present challenges, adding that “the flame may flicker, but it must never be allowed to die.” Akpabio also drew inspiration from the national anthem, reminding the Senate that “the labors of our heroes past” should continue to guide the country toward justice, peace, and prosperity.

Acknowledging Nigeria’s mixed history of “shadow and sunshine,” Akpabio praised the legislature’s role in sustaining democracy and called on lawmakers to work collectively toward governance that truly serves the people.

The session also featured a symbolic moment — the return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after a period of medical recovery. Her presence underscored Akpabio’s message of resilience, continuity, and inclusiveness in national leadership.

The Senate President’s message struck a balance between celebration and reflection, highlighting the importance of perseverance and unity in keeping Nigeria’s democratic flame alive.

Insecurity: Gunmen Kidnap Prominent Lawyer in Niger State on Independence Day.

Heavily armed terrorists have attacked Ibeto town in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting a prominent lawyer, Barrister Isyaku Muhammed Danjuma, along with several residents in a daring daylight raid.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, coinciding with Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebrations.

A family source revealed that the attackers stormed the community in large numbers, wielding sophisticated weapons.

“A lot of them armed with dangerous weapons and guns even bigger than what the security operatives would carry entered our town today (early morning). They were targeting prominent people to abduct. So that was how they came for Barrister Isyaku Muhammed Danjuma. He is currently with them. They have taken him away into the bush. These bandits operated openly for hours without any police or army to rescue them,” the source said.

Checks showed that Barrister Isyaku had posted about the terrorists’ invasion on his Facebook page shortly before his abduction.
He wrote:

“Independence Day but bandits are here in Ibeto running riot.”

Moments later, his fears became reality.

The abduction was further confirmed by his associate, Mohd Gbedako Ndatsu, who reacted under the lawyer’s Facebook post.

“Please when you come across this post, pray for him because I just received a devastating news now that the poster has been kidnapped,” Ndatsu wrote.

This latest abduction follows a similar incident last week, when another young lawyer, Barrister Onyesom Peace Udoka, was kidnapped alongside her sister while returning home from her Call to Bar ceremony. The two were later freed after spending several days in captivity.

Udoka’s abduction occurred around Lokoja, Kogi State, on Friday, September 27, 2025, just days after she was officially called to the bar in Abuja on September 23.

Soyinka honoured as Tinubu unveils N68bn refurbished national theatre.

In a ceremony that also marked Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu was officially recommissioned on 1 October 2025 and renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, following a multi-year public–private restoration.

The restored complex, whose silhouette has been preserved while its interiors were transformed, now houses world-class performance halls, cinema spaces, exhibition galleries, an African literature library, rehearsal rooms, media and medical facilities, landscaped grounds, and direct integration with the Lagos Blue Line rail.

Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, said the project was delivered through an extraordinary partnership between the Central Bank, the Bankers’ Committee, the Federal Government, and the Lagos State Government. He noted that the Bankers’ Committee committed approximately ₦68 billion to the project, framing the funding as a deliberate investment in the nation’s cultural future rather than a mere act of corporate social responsibility.

“This is more than a renovation; it is a rebirth,” Mr Cardoso said, adding that the centre must be protected to prevent a return to years of neglect.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State described the reopening as a homecoming for a city that hosted FESTAC ’77. He said the state played a key role by ensuring a dedicated Blue Line stop and contributing additional land to expand the creative hub. “Today’s commissioning is only the beginning,” he said, urging that the complex become a focal point for artistic excellence and urban renewal.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who performed the commissioning, urged Nigerians to speak positively about the country and to “lift Nigeria” by believing in its potential. The President also pledged to contribute to an endowment fund to guarantee maintenance, accessibility, and job creation at the centre.

Professor Wole Soyinka, who expressed mixed feelings about having his name affixed to a public monument, accepted the honour and reflected on the theatre’s storied past, from its 1976 completion and FESTAC ’77 glory to the decades of decline that preceded the restoration. “If a group of bankers got together, using some of my money also… in order to honour me, what’s wrong with that?” he joked, before urging that the centre serve future generations of artists.

Officials and cultural stakeholders lauded the project as a tangible union of culture and commerce, an effort to harness Nigeria’s creative industries for jobs, revenue, and soft power. With renewed facilities and a declared commitment to upkeep, the Wole Soyinka Centre is being positioned as a national landmark intended to keep Nigeria’s creative voice on the global stage.

Governor Fubara sacks all commissioners in Rivers State.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state has dissolved his cabinet, relieving all commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment of their appointments with immediate effect.

The development was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by Nelson Chukwudi, chief press secretary to the governor.

Chukwudi said Fubara held a private valedictory session with members of his cabinet at the government house in Port Harcourt.

The session also formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.

Fubara was said to have appreciated the commissioners for their contributions to the growth and development of Rivers over the past two years.

He also called on Nigerians to join hands with President Bola Tinubu in building a peaceful and prosperous nation.

The governor restated his commitment to serve the people of the state with renewed vigour, while thanking citizens for their support.

Removing Corrupt Petroleum Subsidy Was A Tough, But Necessary Decision – President Tinubu Opens Up.

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, admitted that it was not an easy decision to end the controversial fuel subsidy regime in Nigeria.
Removing Corrupt Petroleum Subsidy Was A Tough, But Necessary Decision - President Tinubu Opens Up
He, however, added that it was a necessary and timely decision needed to save Nigeria’s economy from total collapse.

President Tinubu made the acknowledgement during his nationwide broadcast to Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebration.

It would be recalled that President Tinubu, on May 29, 2023, right from the venue of his inauguration, declared an end to the fuel subsidy regime, prompting an immediate rise in the price of petrol, heightened inflation and other economic pressures.

Addressing the issue during his speech on Wednesday, Tinubu stated that the fuel subsidy regime was a corrupt system that needed to be abolished. He added that since the removal of fuel subsidy, the accruing financial resources have been deployed to other areas of development in the country.

“As a new administration, we faced a simple choice: continue business as usual and watch our nation drift, or embark on a courageous, fundamental reform path. We chose the path of reform. We chose the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today.

“In resetting our country for sustainable growth, we ended the corrupt fuel subsidies and multiple foreign exchange rates that created massive incentives for a rentier economy, benefiting only a tiny minority. At the same time, the masses received little or nothing from our commonwealth,” he said.

The President explained that the money saved from subsidy removal was channelled to other key areas, education, healthcare, security, agriculture, and infrastructure, areas he said would improve the lives of Nigerians.

“Following the removal of the corrupt petroleum subsidy, we have freed up trillions of Naira for targeted investment in the real economy and social programmes for the most vulnerable, as well as all tiers of government.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has congratulated Nigerians as the country marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, urging the citizens to see the bright future ahead.

Independence Day: We have distributed N330 Billion to poor households and vulnerable Nigerians— President Tinubu.

President Bola Tinubu has announced that his administration has disbursed N330 billion to about eight million households under the government’s social investment programme, aimed at assisting poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

The President disclosed this during his 65th Independence Anniversary broadcast on Wednesday, noting that the initiative was designed to provide direct relief to struggling families.

“Under the social investment programme to support poor households and vulnerable Nigerians, N330 billion has been disbursed to eight million households, many of whom have received either one or two out of the three tranches of the N25,000 each,” Tinubu stated.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since independence, he highlighted the nation’s resilience, saying that despite decades of challenges, Nigeria has continued to endure & record significant economic growth.

#nigeriannews# fintternews #independenceday #tinubu

FG Declares Public Holiday To Mark Independence Day.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government has declared Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 as a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

Nigerians Stage 64th Independence Day Carnival In U.S. Cities.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.

The Minister congratulated all Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora on this historic occasion.

In a statement signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Dr. Tunji-Ojo enjoined citizens to continue to uphold the patriotic spirit, unity, and resilience that have sustained the nation since independence in 1960.

According to him, Nigerians should keep faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, (GCFR), which is anchored on national rebirth, economic transformation, and collective prosperity.

The Minister expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of all Nigerians, the country will continue to grow stronger in peace, progress, and development.

He wished Nigerians a happy and memorable 2025 Independence Day celebration.

Tinubu's Government cancels independence day parade.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has announced the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade earlier scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

The decision was disclosed in a statement issued Monday night by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

“The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary, and the government remains committed to celebrating Nigeria’s 65th year of independence with dignity and enthusiasm,” the statement read.

It added that all other activities lined up for the Independence Anniversary would go ahead as planned.

“The Government deeply regrets any inconvenience caused by this cancellation,” Imohiosen said, noting that the Federal Government appreciates the understanding, support, and cooperation of all Nigerians, members of the diplomatic community, and invited guests.

He further urged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda aimed at making Nigeria a greater nation.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government has declared Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 as a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

Nigerians Stage 64th Independence Day Carnival In U.S. Cities.

News reports that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.

The Minister congratulated all Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora on this historic occasion.

In a statement signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Dr. Tunji-Ojo enjoined citizens to continue to uphold the patriotic spirit, unity, and resilience that have sustained the nation since independence in 1960.

According to him, Nigerians should keep faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, (GCFR), which is anchored on national rebirth, economic transformation, and collective prosperity.

The Minister expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of all Nigerians, the country will continue to grow stronger in peace, progress, and development.

He wished Nigerians a happy and memorable 2025 Independence Day celebration.

Akpabio Urges Unity at Nigeria’s 65th Independence Thanksgiving Service

Senate President and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Obot Akpabio, alongside his wife, Unoma Akpabio, attended a special thanksgiving service on Sunday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.

Sharing moments from the event on his verified Facebook page, Akpabio emphasized the importance of national unity, stressing that love and togetherness remain vital for the country’s progress.

“At the inter-denominational church service to mark Nigeria's 65th Independence anniversary, I asserted that Nigeria must remain united. We must love one another,” Akpabio wrote.

He further noted:

“There should not be anything like North without the South, or West without the East.”

“No storm of this age, however violent, shall sink the ship of state so long as we remain united. We shall prevail.”

Akpabio also commended Nigeria’s armed forces, particularly the newly commissioned officers of the Nigeria Defence Academy, describing them as young patriots ready to serve their fatherland.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s global identity, he added:

“Beyond our shores, the world trembles when they hear the word Nigeria because of our size and diversity. The seas may be rough, but we remain unshaken.”


His remarks, shared online, quickly drew reactions from supporters and followers, many applauding his call for unity and resilience.

65th Independence Anniversary: Tinubu To Address Nigerians October 1st By 7 AM.

The Federal Government on Friday unveiled the official line-up of events to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, with religious services, civic engagements, and cultural programmes scheduled under the theme: “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.”

Full Text: President Tinubu's Address In Ghana At John Mahama's Inauguration
According to a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the anniversary activities commenced on Friday, September 26, with a special Jumu’ah prayer at the National Mosque in Abuja, held at 1:00 p.m.

The religious services will continue on Sunday, September 28, with an inter-denominational church service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, starting at 10:00 a.m.

On Monday, September 29, the programme will shift to civic engagements with a world press conference at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja, scheduled for 10:00 a.m.

The highlight of the anniversary comes on Tuesday, October 1, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will deliver a national broadcast at 7:00 a.m. to commemorate Nigeria’s independence.

Later that morning, at 10:00 a.m., the traditional Independence anniversary parade will be held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and guests expected to attend.

The week-long celebrations will conclude on Friday, October 3, with the presidential unveiling of the National Values Charter (NVC) and the grand finale of the National Campus Debate at the State House Conference Centre, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Tinubu To Address Nigerians On October 1st.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to deliver a nationwide broadcast on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
"This Ship Will Not Sink, We Have Blocked The Scavengers" - Tinubu Declares
Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement on Wednesday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, during the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) for the anniversary in Abuja.

In a statement by the director of information in the SGF office, Segun Imohiosen, Akume explained that the committee has been tasked with planning, organising, and executing all approved programmes for the celebrations.

The former senator described the Independence Day as both a moment of reflection and a call to action.

He said: “This anniversary is a reminder of where we are coming from and where we are going from here. As a nation, we have faced challenges in areas such as political, economic and social issues but have overcome them. An anniversary is not just a celebration of the past. It is a call for action for the future.”

Schedule released by the government showed that activities will begin with a World Press Conference on Thursday, September 25, 2025, followed by a Juma’at Service and women’s activities on Friday, September 26.

Youth events and a historical arts exhibition will hold on Saturday, September 27; a Church Service on Sunday, September 28; and a public lecture on Monday, September 29. The celebrations will climax with the President’s broadcast and the Independence Day parade on October 1.

As part of the commemorative projects, Akume also unveiled the Nigeria@65 Compendium Project workstation, initiated in collaboration with CherryAfrica Magazine, which will document milestones in governance, economy and national development across the decades