On October 1, 1960, a transformative moment unfolded at the Lagos Race Course as the Union Jack was lowered and Nigeria’s green-white-green flag ascended for the first time. Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa heralded this as both the culmination of colonial experience and the dawn of a new national era. Sixty-five years later, Nigeria’s independence anniversary invites both reflection and celebration-an opportunity to acknowledge profound challenges while recognising the resilient spirit worth honouring. Beyond the well-documented struggles with governance and economy lies a tapestry of cultural richness, democratic resilience, and human potential that forms the true foundation for celebration.
The path to independence was paved by the efforts of nationalist figures like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello. Their leadership, alongside constitutional developments through the 1940s and 1950s, gradually transferred governance into Nigerian hands. The celebration of that first Independence Day was meticulously planned, with an allocated budget of £1 million for decorations, festivals, and hospitality. British stage designer Beverley Pick was commissioned to create visual displays drawing on traditional Nigerian art. symbolising the fusion of heritage with forward-looking aspirations.
The inaugural festivities featured everything from the West African Games and military displays to fireworks and water regattas. The energy was palpable-a nation stepping into its destiny with optimism and cultural pride.
Nigeria’s political journey since independence has been marked by both turmoil and triumph. From early regional tensions that culminated in civil war, the nation has gradually strengthened its democratic institutions. The return to civilian rule in 1999 after years of military governance marked a significant turning point. Today, despite challenges, Nigeria maintains a democratic system that, while imperfect, represents the collective will of its people to govern themselves-a fundamental aspect of the independence fought for by earlier generations.
Economically, Nigeria has experienced both boom periods and significant setbacks. As Africa’s largest economy, the country has demonstrated remarkable resilience amid global fluctuations. Recently, President Bola Tinubu pointed to encouraging signs including second-quarter GDP growth of 4.23%-the fastest in four years-and a decline in inflation to 20.12% in August, the lowest in three years. Furthermore, the country has recorded five consecutive quarters of trade surpluses and seen a rebound in oil production to 1.68 million barrels per day. These indicators, while not dismissing ongoing hardships, suggest the potential for economic stabilization and growth.
If there is one consistent reason for celebration throughout Nigeria’s 65-year journey, it is the vibrancy of Nigerian culture and the relentless ingenuity of its people. This cultural strength manifests in multiple domains:
Artistic Expression: From the highlife music that dominated independence celebrations to the contemporary global ascent of Afrobeats, Nigerian creativity continues to captivate international audiences. This artistic legacy represents a powerful form of soft diplomacy and national pride.
Literary and Intellectual Contributions: Nigeria has produced Nobel laureates in literature, groundbreaking thinkers, and influential academics who have shaped discourse across Africa and beyond.
Entrepreneurial Innovation: Despite structural challenges, Nigerian entrepreneurs have built thriving businesses and developed solutions that address both local and global needs, particularly in the technology sector.
The 2025 independence theme, ‘Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,’ appropriately captures this spirit of collective responsibility and cultural resilience. It acknowledges that nation-building requires the contribution of all sectors-public, private, civil society, and citizens alike.
Modern Independence Day observances reflect both tradition and evolution. Official ceremonies still include flag-raising ceremonies, and presidential addresses, the military parade having been cancelled. What’s particularly noteworthy is how these celebrations extend far beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The ‘Nigerian dream’ remains a contested concept, with many citizens expressing ambivalence about the nation’s direction. Interviews with Nigerians reveal a spectrum of perspectives. For 25-year-old Taiwo Hassan, the dream represents ‘the chance to live in a country where basic necessities don’t feel like a luxury’. Ifeoluwa Olutayo, 35, defines it as ‘living without the crushing weight of kakistocracy and unnecessary bureaucracy’. The bottom line?-the hope that regardless of starting point, one can build a better life. These voices reflect both the challenges facing Nigeria and the fundamental human desires for dignity, security, and opportunity. That these aspirations persist despite difficulties itself represents a form of national resilience worth acknowledging.
As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, the appropriate celebration isn’t one that ignores very real challenges, but rather one that recognises the foundations upon which a better future can be built.
Despite setbacks, Nigeria maintains a commitment to democratic governance. Nigerian art, music, literature, and fashion continue to gain global recognition. A young, dynamic population represents enormous potential for innovation and growth.
Nigerians abroad maintain strong connections to their homeland, contributing skills, resources, and international perspectives.
Sixty-five years after Princess Alexandra presented Nigeria’s constitutional instruments of freedom, the nation stands at a complex crossroads. The initial optimism of independence has been tempered by decades of failure. Yet, what remains worthy of celebration is not what Nigeria has fully become, but what it persistently strives to be-a nation where, despite everything, the desire for imagination continues to fuel individual ambition and collective effort.
The appropriate celebration at 65 is one that honours the resilience of ordinary Nigerians who, against often daunting odds, continue to build businesses, create art, educate children, and forge communities. It celebrates the cultural vibrancy that makes Nigeria uniquely influential across Africa and the world. Most importantly. it celebrates the potential that still waits to be fully unlocked-the promise that has lingered since that first Independence Day, waiting for the right combination of leadership, policy, and collective action to bring it to fruition.
Sure, I see despair and gloom everywhere I go everyday. but I am not an ambassador of despair and gloom. I would rather entertain the hope I see in the hardwork of Mallam Abubakar, a show shiner who worked seven days a week, 365 days a year and the discipline of Ekene, a security guard studying to retake the JAMB, 20 years after leaving secondary school. Like the good book says, ‘with hardship comes ease’, we have nothing to look forward to but good things.
As Nigerians gather at Tafawa Balewa Square, in New York City, in private homes, and online to mark this anniversary, they celebrate not just a historical event but a living nation-flawed, complex, but enduring. The Nigerian spirit continues to thrive finding rhythm even in struggle and creating harmony out of diversity. That unwavering spirit, perhaps more than any single achievement, is what truly deserves celebration at 65 years of independence.