65th Anniversary: Reflections alone not enough, Nigerians needs result – PDP chieftain, Okorie
A former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ebonyi State, Prince Tochukwu Okorie, has said this year’s Independence anniversary goes beyond a celebration of endurance but an urgent call to chart a bold new course toward the visions the founding fathers. He called for robust institutions, inclusive governance and accelerated development. Nigeria marks
65th Anniversary: Reflections alone not enough, Nigerians needs result – PDP chieftain, Okorie
A former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ebonyi State, Prince Tochukwu Okorie, has said this year’s Independence anniversary goes beyond a celebration of endurance but an urgent call to chart a bold new course toward the visions the founding fathers.
He called for robust institutions, inclusive governance and accelerated development.
Nigeria marks its 65th year of independence on October 1, 2025.
“This anniversary is more than a celebration of endurance; it is an urgent call to chart a bold new course toward the Nigeria envisioned by our founding fathers—one of robust institutions, inclusive governance, and accelerated development,” he said.
Okorie noted that Nigeria was born with immense promise: vast natural resources, rich cultural diversity, and unmatched human talent but this promise has been remained largely unfulfilled.
“Cycles of optimism and setbacks, pervasive corruption, insecurity, and weak public institutions continue to erode trust and opportunity,” he said.
“Still, there is much to build on. The resilience and creativity of Nigerians at home and abroad have put our music, literature, technology, and entrepreneurship on the global map.
“Since 1999, we have sustained 26 years of uninterrupted democracy—an achievement rare on the continent. Our youth movements and civil society are vibrant and increasingly assertive.
“At 65, reflection alone is not enough. Nigeria must move from rhetoric to results. Public office must be a trust, not a privilege, and the country must strengthen independent institutions, enforce transparency in public spending, and wage an impartial fight against corruption.
“Oil cannot sustain 200 million people; investments in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy are critical to creating jobs and broadening the revenue base. Peace and justice are prerequisites for progress, requiring security reforms, community engagement, and swift justice to end impunity. Above all, gender, youth, and marginalized communities must be central to policy making. Genuine federalism and fairness in resource allocation will turn our diversity into strength.
“Nigeria has shown it can remain one. Now we must prove we can thrive together. The ultimate test of independence will be how well we transform our enormous potential into real security, equity, and prosperity for every Nigerian.”
65th Anniversary: Reflections alone not enough, Nigerians needs result – PDP chieftain, Okorie
65th Independence: Let’s make diversity our strength- Fintiri tells Nigerians
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has urged Nigerians to join efforts at making the country’s diversity its greatest treasure. Looking forward to a country where its many differences would be like the different rivers that form one big useful stream, Fintiri insisted that there is great strength in diversity. In his Independence Day speech
65th Independence: Let’s make diversity our strength- Fintiri tells Nigerians
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has urged Nigerians to join efforts at making the country’s diversity its greatest treasure.
Looking forward to a country where its many differences would be like the different rivers that form one big useful stream, Fintiri insisted that there is great strength in diversity.
In his Independence Day speech at the Ribadu Square in Yola on Wednesday, Fintiri said, “Like rivers that flow into one mighty stream, our differences must flow into one shared destiny.”
A divided Adamawa, like a divided Nigeria, cannot stand, Fintiri stressed.
“As we mark this day, let us renew a sacred pledge: to make independence matter, not in words, but in real, visible change,” Fintiri added.
He said his government has executed projects to make Adamawa a much better state.
“We have rebuilt classrooms and reimagined education. We have revitalized healthcare, because a healthy society is a strong one. We have connected communities with roads and bridges, and pursued peace as a precondition for growth,” he said.
65th Independence: Let’s make diversity our strength- Fintiri tells Nigerians
Nigeria at 65: Muslim group decries widespread violence, insecurity in Northern region
As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Muslim Public Affairs Centre, MPAC, has urged the nation’s leaders and citizens to confront the country’s deepening security and governance challenges with “conscience and courage.” In a statement titled “Nigeria at 65: A Call to Conscience and Courage,” MPAC lamented the widespread violence and insecurity plaguing several
Nigeria at 65: Muslim group decries widespread violence, insecurity in Northern region
As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Muslim Public Affairs Centre, MPAC, has urged the nation’s leaders and citizens to confront the country’s deepening security and governance challenges with “conscience and courage.”
In a statement titled “Nigeria at 65: A Call to Conscience and Courage,” MPAC lamented the widespread violence and insecurity plaguing several regions, highlighting the devastating toll of banditry and insurgency across states such as Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Plateau, Borno, and most recently, Kwara.
“Independence is not merely a flag raised or an anthem sung; it is the living responsibility to unite our people, protect the sanctity of life, and build a nation where justice and dignity are not privileges but rights for all,” the statement read.
Citing the Qur’an (4:135) on the duty to uphold justice and bear witness to truth, MPAC warned that a nation that loses its sense of justice “loses its soul.” It emphasized that freedom from fear of violence, hunger, and impunity should now define true independence in Nigeria.
“This is not a time for platitudes. Leaders at all levels must rise above excuses and act with the urgency that life demands. Justice must not be delayed. Security must not be politicized. Mercy must not be selective,” MPAC declared.
Signed by Executive Chairman, Disu Kumor, the group called on Nigerian citizens to resist despair and continue to uphold unity, compassion, and shared responsibility. It also issued a sobering reminder to those in positions of power: “Power is a trust, and before God, every drop of innocent blood will demand an answer.”
While praying for national healing, peace, and guidance, MPAC urged Nigerians to recommit themselves to the values of justice, equity, and mutual respect envisioned by the country’s founding fathers.
Nigeria at 65: Muslim group decries widespread violence, insecurity in Northern region
PAC orders Korle Bu acting CEO to refund GHC113,500 over judgment debts
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has directed the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Yakubu Seidu Adam, to refund GHC113,500 to the state within 90 days. The order follows two separate judgment debts the state was forced to pay due to negligence at the hospital. In one case, a patient died after being given an overdose of medication. In the other, hospital staff released the wrong body to a family,…
Borno Model’s valuable lessons on handling Boko Haram deserters
The approach of Nigeria’s Borno State shows how to manage more humane, locally grounded reintegration efforts that work. The post Borno Model’s valuable lessons on handling Boko Haram deserters appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
UCL: Atalanta Coach Juric Hails ‘Excellent Athlete’ Lookman
Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric has labelled Ademola Lookman an “excellent athlete”, reports Completesports.com. Lookman attempted to force through a move away from the club during the summer transfer window. The Nigeria international only made his first appearance of the season for La Dea against Torino two weeks ago. The 27-year-old made his first start […] The post UCL: Atalanta Coach Juric Hails ‘Excellent Athlete’ Lookman appeared first on Complete Sports.
ASUP urges Kefas to implement salary increase for Taraba polytechnic staff
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, in Taraba State has appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas to implement the long awaited 25/35% salary increment for staff of the Taraba State Polytechnic, Suntai. The call was made by the newly elected ASUP Chairman in the state, Dr Bala Sule, during a press briefing at the institution’s
ASUP urges Kefas to implement salary increase for Taraba polytechnic staff
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, in Taraba State has appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas to implement the long awaited 25/35% salary increment for staff of the Taraba State Polytechnic, Suntai.
The call was made by the newly elected ASUP Chairman in the state, Dr Bala Sule, during a press briefing at the institution’s campus in Jalingo.
Dr Sule highlighted the persistent delay in the implementation of the approved salary increase and lamented the backlog of unpaid salary arrears owed to staff.
Pledging to make the financial welfare of union members a top priority during his tenure, he urged the state government to urgently heed the call of the association.
“As ASUP Chairman, I will do my best to get the attention of governor Kefas and appeal to him to implement our 25/35% salary increase.
We will also present the issue of outstanding salary arrears and let him know that keeping staff in financial distress is not in the interest of the institution,” he stated.
While acknowledging the challenges facing staff, Dr Sule ruled out the possibility of industrial action, stressing that the union would adopt diplomatic channels to press its demands.
“Under my watch, there will be no strike action of any form. Even if the government fails to address our demands, we will pursue dialogue to ensure our concerns are heard,” he assured.
Dr Sule also disclosed plans to collaborate with ASUP’s national and zonal leadership to further engage the state government and push for the implementation of the salary adjustment.
He reiterated the union’s commitment to staff welfare and emphasized that the new leadership would continue to seek peaceful and constructive solutions to the issues affecting its members.
ASUP urges Kefas to implement salary increase for Taraba polytechnic staff
Yobe Shari’ah courts to go digital – Grand Khadi drops hint
The new Yobe State Grand Khadi, Abba Alhaji Mammadi, has assured that Shari’ah courts will soon begin to use technology in their operations for the speedy dispensation of justice in the state. The number one Shari’ah Jurist in the state gave the assurance while speaking to newsmen shortly after he took the oaths of office
Yobe Shari’ah courts to go digital – Grand Khadi drops hint
The new Yobe State Grand Khadi, Abba Alhaji Mammadi, has assured that Shari’ah courts will soon begin to use technology in their operations for the speedy dispensation of justice in the state.
The number one Shari’ah Jurist in the state gave the assurance while speaking to newsmen shortly after he took the oaths of office and allegiance at the Banquet Hall of the Government House.
The 7th Grand Khadi since the state was created in 1991 said, “As the new Grand Khadi of Yobe State, it is my ambition to see that we leverage use of technology into Shari’ah system, that will assist in dispensation of justice.
“Because, presently we are doing what is called long writing during court proceedings. But our colleagues in other jurisdictions have already started using technology.
“So, one of my ambitions is to introduce the use of technology into the Shari’ah system in the state so as to catch up with modern trends “.
Shari’ah Courts are judicial bodies that apply Islamic law to resolve disputes and administer justice among Muslims in most Northern Nigerian states.
These courts also operate alongside conventional courts and have jurisdiction over civil matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and family matters among others.
65th Anniversary: Keep hope alive despite turbulent situation – Accord to Nigerians
The Accord Party has urged Nigerians to keep hopes alive in spite of the current economic situation of things across the country. The political party said this in its goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 65th Independence anniversary. In a statement signed by Maxwell Mgbudem, Accord National Chairman said Nigeria turned
65th Anniversary: Keep hope alive despite turbulent situation – Accord to Nigerians
The Accord Party has urged Nigerians to keep hopes alive in spite of the current economic situation of things across the country.
The political party said this in its goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 65th Independence anniversary.
In a statement signed by Maxwell Mgbudem, Accord National Chairman said Nigeria turned 65 on October 1 2025 and it believes Nigeria has gone a long way in its democratic journey.
The party said in spite of turbulent political experience, military intervention, civil war, economic recession, socio-religious disharmony and security challenges, citizens have remained resolute, undaunted and unwavering in building a strong, prosperous, egalitarian and just democratic nation.
The party urged citizens to remain in one accord as they celebrate this historic occasion that restored self-governance to the country.
“Let us keep hope alive and continue to water and nurture the tree of democracy to maturity to yield its abundant fruits and dividends to the people.”
The party said it stands with Nigerians in building a better and greater society where no man or woman is oppressed, and will hand to the coming generation a banner without stain.
In this regard, the party urged the governments at all levels to ensure the security and welfare of the people in accordance with Section 14(2)b of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.
:National security, safety and order are critical for sustainable democracy and development, and must be achieved,” it said.
The party further urged the military to sustain the war against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, militancy and kidnapping, adding that “It is the only way we shall hand on to our children a banner without stain just as our founding fathers handed independence to us.”
Furthermore, Accord enjoined Nigerians to participate actively in the ongoing national voter registration.
“Your vote is your voice and power to elect credible leaders. The party is currently mobilising citizens across the country for this crucial civic exercise that will further consolidate, deepen and strengthen the nation’s democratic process,” it said.
Accord said it is ready for the November 8, 2025 Anambra State governorship election.
65th Anniversary: Keep hope alive despite turbulent situation – Accord to Nigerians
Former DR Congo President Joseph Kabila sentenced to death in absentia
A military court in Kinshasa has sentenced former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Joseph Kabila, to death in absentia on charges of war crimes and treason. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday (30 September), found the ex-leader guilty of serious offences linked to his nearly two-decade rule, which ended in 2019. Kabila, who is outside the country, was tried in absentia along with some of his former military and political allies. The court accused…