By Nkechi Eze
As Nigeria stands on the threshold of her 65th Independence Anniversary, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has delivered a resounding call for unity, resilience, and collective responsibility, urging Nigerians at home and abroad to rally around the national vision of peace, progress, and prosperity.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, 29th September 2025, as part of activities leading up to the Independence Day celebrations, Akume declared that Independence Day is not merely a ceremonial date on the national calendar but a profound reminder of Nigeria’s long, complex, yet inspiring journey since 1960. He reminded citizens that through triumphs and trials, the Nigerian spirit has remained unbroken and unyielding, stressing that the nation’s true strength lies in its capacity to consistently rise after every storm, rebuild after every setback, and forge ahead with faith in its destiny as a great nation.
He explained that this year’s celebration, anchored on the theme “Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation”, serves as both a reminder and a challenge. According to him, the task of nation-building cannot rest on government alone but must involve every Nigerian, from youth to elders, artisans and entrepreneurs, farmers and professionals, teachers, traders, security operatives, and those in the diaspora. He insisted that all hands must truly be on deck for Nigeria to achieve the greatness it envisions.
Akume used the occasion to underscore the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda, he noted, has become the framework for national transformation. He described the agenda as a roadmap of rebirth, inclusivity, and sustainable progress that gives hope to millions of Nigerians, particularly the youth who represent the nation’s future. He further explained that his office, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation serves as the central coordinating engine of governance, ensuring that presidential priorities are implemented through effective policy coordination and inter-ministerial synergy. According to him, the SGF’s mandate provides the institutional backbone that drives programmes and initiatives designed to make the Renewed Hope Agenda not just a slogan, but a lived reality for Nigerians.
Addressing the economic trajectory of the country, Akume admitted that the administration’s reforms are bold and sometimes difficult, but emphasized that they are necessary steps to stabilize the economy, restore investor confidence, and lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth. He expressed optimism that the measures are already yielding positive outcomes, pointing to easing inflationary pressures, renewed investor interest, expanded job creation initiatives, and strengthened social intervention programmes aimed at cushioning the effects of the reforms on vulnerable groups. He noted that these gains, though modest, remain proof that the Renewed Hope Agenda is on course and will deliver greater dividends with perseverance.
On the celebrations themselves, the SGF provided updates on activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, disclosing that the commemorative events had already begun with the Juma’at prayers and the interdenominational church service. Monday’s press conference, he said, was part of the build-up to the Grand Finale of the National Campus Debate scheduled for Tuesday, 30th September, which will showcase the creativity, brilliance, and patriotism of Nigerian students. The celebration will climax on Wednesday, 1st October, with a Presidential Broadcast to the nation by President Tinubu.
Akume also used the occasion to commend the President for what he described as bold leadership and reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Executive Council to policy formulation and effective implementation for the good of Nigerians. He urged citizens to reflect on their shared responsibility in nation-building, stressing that while government is playing its part, citizens too must play theirs. He called on Nigerians to put aside divisions and work together to achieve a nation where opportunity is greater than despair, unity stronger than division, and peace stronger than conflict.
The SGF expressed appreciation to the media for its invaluable role in shaping narratives, strengthening democracy, and fostering unity across the country. He reminded Nigerians that at 65, the country remains a work in progress, but with renewed hope, shared responsibility, and collective resolve, the nation’s best days lie ahead.
“With renewed hope, shared responsibility, and collective resolve, our best days lie ahead. Let all hands truly be on deck for a greater, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria,” Akume concluded.
