Monday, October 2, Declared as a Holiday by FG

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa and the largest economy in the continent, is celebrating its 63rd independence anniversary on Monday, October 2, 2023. The Federal Government has declared the day a public holiday to mark the occasion.

Nigeria gained its independence from Britain on October 1, 1960, after a long struggle by nationalist leaders such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Since then, the country has witnessed various political, economic, and social changes, as well as challenges such as civil war, military coups, ethnic and religious conflicts, corruption, and terrorism.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on Thursday, congratulated all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora on the occasion. He also assured Nigerians of the government’s continued commitment to tackling the challenges facing the nation.

“It is today a known fact that difficult socio-economic and security challenges are global, and Nigeria is not isolated,” he said. “The government is making efforts to confront these varied and numerous challenges with all the might available until respite comes our way.”

He also stated that Nigeria’s position in the community of nations and the greatness ahead of the country are achievable if we all work together in unity. He said that Nigeria’s warm, welcoming spirit and love, as well as its unbounded human capital and the richness of its land, make it the leading black nation in the world and Africa’s pride and beacon of hope.

He urged Nigerians to celebrate the independence anniversary with renewed hope of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens, as a befitting tribute to the heroes of the past. He also appealed to Nigerians to uphold the nation’s unity and peace and to shun any act that could undermine the stability and progress of the country.

He wished Nigerians a memorable independence celebration and prayed for God’s blessings and protection over the nation.