FG DECLARES OCTOBER 1 AS PUBLIC HOLIDAY FOR NIGERIA'S 65TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY

FG DECLARES OCTOBER 1 AS PUBLIC HOLIDAY FOR NIGERIA'S 65TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, October 1, 2025, a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement in a statement issued by Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior.

In his congratulatory message, Tunji-Ojo described the Independence Anniversary as a reminder of Nigeria’s resilience, unity, and enduring spirit. He urged citizens to uphold the patriotic values that have held the nation together since 1960 and called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on national rebirth, economic transformation, and collective prosperity.

The Minister expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to grow stronger if citizens remained committed to peace, progress, and development. “As we mark this 65th Independence Anniversary, let us renew our faith in the country and rededicate ourselves to the ideals of unity, patriotism, and hard work. With the cooperation of all Nigerians, our nation will continue to thrive and fulfill its great potential,” he stated.

Tunji-Ojo extended warm wishes to Nigerians for a happy and memorable Independence Day celebration, encouraging citizens to reflect on the country’s progress and work together toward a brighter future.

FG DECLARES FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, PUBLIC HOLIDAY FOR EID-UL-MAWLID CELEBRATION

FG DECLARES FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, PUBLIC HOLIDAY FOR EID-UL-MAWLID CELEBRATION

The Federal Government has declared Friday, September 5, 2025, a public holiday to commemorate Eid-ul-Mawlid, the annual celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad. This announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. 

Congratulating Muslims across Nigeria and the diaspora, the government urged the faithful to emulate the virtues of the Prophet, including peace, love, humility, tolerance, and compassion. The statement highlighted the occasion as an opportunity for Nigerians of all religious backgrounds to pray for peace, security, and stability in the country while supporting efforts toward national unity and development.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo described Eid-ul-Mawlid as a time to strengthen bonds of brotherhood, promote peaceful coexistence, and embrace the teachings of mutual respect and selfless service to humanity. He appealed to citizens to remain law-abiding and security-conscious while contributing to government policies aimed at ensuring a united and prosperous nation.

Eid-ul-Mawlid, observed in the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-Awwal, commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is marked by prayers, lectures, processions, and acts of charity. In Nigeria, the day is recognized as a national public holiday, reflecting the country’s significant Muslim population and tradition of observing major Islamic festivals. Religious leaders and government officials often use the occasion to call for peace and unity, particularly as Nigeria continues to address security and economic challenges.

FG RAISES ALARM OVER $1.5 BILLION ANNUAL LOSS TO MALNUTRITION, PLEDGE ACTION

 FG RAISES ALARM OVER $1.5 BILLION ANNUAL LOSS TO MALNUTRITION, PLEDGE ACTION

The Federal Government has sounded the alarm over Nigeria’s worsening malnutrition crisis, which costs the nation an estimated $1.5 billion annually in lost productivity and economic potential. Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, revealed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, August 23, 2025. He described malnutrition as both a health and economic emergency, calling for immediate intervention to reverse the troubling trend.

Speaking at the Nutrition Society of Nigeria’s conference, Bagudu highlighted the devastating impact of micronutrient deficiencies on millions of Nigerians, particularly children under five. He noted that Nigeria ranks second globally in malnutrition, with 40% of children stunted and 8% suffering from wasting, according to the 2023-2024 National Demographic and Health Survey. “Malnutrition is not just a health issue; it’s an economic burden that stifles development. We are prioritizing nutrition in our National Development Plan to reverse this trend,” Bagudu stated.

The economic toll is staggering, with stunted adults earning 20% less than their peers, perpetuating poverty cycles and reducing workforce productivity. Healthcare costs are also significantly higher due to malnutrition-related illnesses, further straining the country’s resources.

In response, the government has launched the National Multisectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition and the N-774 Initiative, which focuses on grassroots-level interventions. The N-774 Initiative, endorsed by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, aims to strengthen local nutrition programs by increasing budgetary allocations and creating nutrition departments across ministries. Bagudu also urged private sector collaboration to enhance food fortification and promote dietary diversity.

However, stakeholders have pointed out persistent gaps in policy implementation and funding as major hurdles. Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) criticized the reliance on donor support and poor coordination of efforts. “While the government’s plans are commendable, poor coordination and reliance on donor support limit impact,” said Beatrice Eluaka, Executive Secretary of CS-SUNN.

The Federal Government’s renewed focus on nutrition, alongside calls for innovation and collaboration, signals a decisive effort to tackle the malnutrition crisis. As the country battles this challenge, stakeholders are urging sustained action to ensure long-term impact and development.