Olusegun Adeyemo
The Lekan Salami Sports Complex in Adamasingba, Ibadan, came alive on Wednesday with the colors of green and white as Oyo State joined the nation in marking 65 years of Nigeria Independence. Though the Federal Government had earlier announced the cancellation of the traditional Independence Day parade, Governor Seyi Makinde seized the moment to remind Nigerians of the deeper meaning behind the celebration: unity, resilience, and hope.
Standing before a gathering of citizens, the governor’s message was clear. Nigeria, he said, must learn from its own history and from nations that have thrived despite immense diversity. “We must keep hope alive as Nigerians and as residents of Oyo State,” Makinde declared, his voice carrying across the stadium. “When we look at countries like India and China, with populations over 1.5 billion and diverse ethnic groups, we see that unity is the foundation for their economic progress. We too can thrive if we work together.”
The theme of this year’s anniversary “Unity and Rebuilding” echoed throughout his speech. For Makinde, it was more than a slogan; it was a call to action. He urged Nigerians to resist the temptation of division and to embrace their shared identity. “We must see ourselves first as Nigerians, committed to building a peaceful and prosperous nation,” he added, stressing that the country’s diversity, if harnessed rightly, could become its greatest strength.
The governor also linked his message of national unity to his administration’s vision for Oyo State. He reaffirmed a commitment to inclusiveness, good governance, and sustainable development, noting that unity was not just a national ideal but a guiding principle in his policies at the state level.
Yet even as the mood was celebratory, there was an undercurrent of reflection. The absence of the Independence Day parade — a decision confirmed in a statement by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information & Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation — reminded many of the challenges the nation continues to face. The Federal Government gave no reason for the cancellation but insisted it would not lessen the importance of Nigeria Independence.
For the people gathered in Ibadan, however, the meaning of the day was not diminished. The cheers, the waving flags, and the words of their governor created a sense of collective purpose. It was a moment to look back on the journey of 65 years and to imagine a future built on unity and hope.
As the celebrations wound down, Makinde’s words lingered in the air a reminder that Nigeria Independence is not only about looking back at history, but also about looking forward, with courage and faith, to what the country can still become.
