As part of activities marking Nigeria’s upcoming 65th Independence Anniversary, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja.
The service was organised to offer prayers and gratitude for the nation, ahead of the official Independence Day on October 1.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were; Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume (both accompanied by their spouses), Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, Former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Simon Lalong among others.
The service also saw a strong presence of Nigeria’s security leadership.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, led top service chiefs, including Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs. Kemi Nandap and Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche.
Their participation underscored the symbolic unity of Nigeria’s civil and military institutions in commemorating the country’s independence.
Earlier in the week, the Federal Government unveiled the theme for this year’s celebrations:
“Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.”
In a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the SGF’s office, Segun Imohiosen, the theme was described as a call to action for unity, collaboration and patriotism across all sectors, government, private enterprise, civil society and individual citizens.
“The theme reflects the collective responsibility required to achieve peace, prosperity, and national progress,” the statement noted.
The church service is part of a series of events lined up to mark Nigeria’s independence, reinforcing messages of hope, resilience and national unity.
