Speech for Nigeria at 66

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Speech for Nigeria at 66

Fellow Nigerians,

Today, we gather to celebrate a milestone in our nation’s journey, 66 years of independence.

On October 1st, 1960, Nigeria stepped into the light of freedom, carrying the hopes of millions and the promise of greatness.

Sixty-six years later, we stand as a people resilient in spirit, rich in culture, and blessed with abundant resources. Our journey has not been without challenges, but each trial has strengthened our resolve to build a nation worthy of its destiny.

We celebrate the courage of our founding fathers, who envisioned a Nigeria united in diversity. We honour the sacrifices of countless citizens who have worked tirelessly to uphold democracy, justice, and peace. And we recognize the boundless creativity of our youth, whose innovation and energy continue to shape our future.

Nigeria at 66 is more than a number; it is a testament to endurance. It is a call to renew our commitment to unity, to embrace progress, and to ensure that every citizen enjoys the fruits of independence.

Let us remember that independence is not just freedom from colonial rule, it is the responsibility to govern ourselves with wisdom, fairness, and compassion. It is the duty to rise above division and to harness our diversity as strength.

As we look ahead, may we dream of a Nigeria where prosperity is shared, where justice is upheld, and where peace reigns.

May we pledge to work together, government, private sector, civil society, and citizens, to build the Nigeria our children deserve.

Fellow Nigerians, let us lift our voices with pride: Nigeria at 66 is alive, strong, and moving forward. May God bless our beloved country, and may the green-white-green forever wave in glory.

Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!

Curtesy: The SEB MEDIA Team

Second Chances

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SECOND CHANCES

Second Chances

Second Chances:  Ada and Kunle’s emotional journey, from their first meeting in a café to their tender moments under the Abuja skyline.

Genre: Romantic Drama

Setting: Modern-day Abuja, Nigeria - a mix of urban sophistication and quiet domestic life.

Main Characters:

• Ada: 46, a successful interior designer, independent but emotionally guarded.
• Kunle: 49, a widowed civil engineer, kind-hearted and introspective.
• Chika: Ada’s younger sister, lively and outspoken.
• Emeka: Kunle’s teenage son, smart and observant.

Scene 1 – The Coffee Shop

Interior – Morning. A bustling café in Wuse 2. Ada sits alone, sketching designs on her tablet. Kunle enters, looking for a seat.

Kunle: Excuse me, is this seat taken? Ada (without looking up): Not unless you plan to steal my coffee. Kunle (smiling): I promise I only steal good conversation.

Ada looks up, amused. They share a brief smile.

Ada: You’re bold for a stranger. Kunle: I’m an engineer. We build bridges — even conversational ones.

They laugh. The chemistry is subtle but undeniable.

Scene 2 – The Unexpected Reunion

Exterior – Evening. A networking event for professionals. Ada spots Kunle across the room.

Ada: You again? Are you following me? Kunle: Maybe destiny’s GPS is just accurate.

They toast with glasses of wine.

Ada: I don’t believe in destiny. Kunle: Then let’s call it good timing.

Scene 3 – The Dinner

Interior – Ada’s apartment. Warm lighting, soft music. Kunle helps set the table.

Kunle: You cook like someone who designs kitchens for a living. Ada: I design spaces, not meals. But tonight, I’m making an exception. Kunle: I’ll take that as a compliment — and a warning.

Love in the City Lights

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Love in the City Lights

Love in the City Lights

Chapter One: A Chance Encounter

It was a rainy Thursday evening in Lagos. The streets glistened under the neon glow of billboards, and the hum of traffic filled the air. Amaka, a 45-year-old architect, hurried into a cozy café to escape the downpour. She shook off her umbrella and sighed.

At the corner table sat Tunde, 48, a marketing consultant, sipping his cappuccino while scrolling through his tablet. Their eyes met briefly.

Tunde: “Looks like the rain is determined to keep us indoors tonight.” Amaka (smiling): “I’m not complaining. It’s the perfect excuse for coffee.” Tunde: “Then allow me to recommend the caramel latte. It’s the best thing here.” Amaka: “You sound like you’ve tried everything on the menu.” Tunde (laughs): “Guilty. This place is my second office.”

And just like that, a conversation began—easy, warm, and unexpectedly familiar.

Chapter Two: Conversations Over Coffee

Days turned into weeks. Amaka and Tunde found themselves meeting at the café more often, sometimes by chance, sometimes by choice.

Kenyan Ingenuity Floats on Lake Victoria

Kenyan Ingenuity Floats on Lake Victoria

Kenyan Ingenuity Floats on Lake Victoria

In late September 2026, social media in Kenya was set ablaze by a video that seemed almost surreal: a modest mabati house, built not on land but floating serenely on the waters of Lake Victoria.

The footage, shared on Facebook, showed the corrugated iron sheet structure perched on a platform, surrounded by the endless expanse of Africa’s largest lake.

The sight was striking for two reasons. First, the familiar image of a mabati dwelling, ubiquitous in Kenya’s informal housing landscape, was transposed into an extraordinary setting. Second, the symbolism was impossible to ignore. In a country where land scarcity and rising rent are pressing issues, the builder’s bold declaration of “Hakuna kulipa rent” (“No rent to pay”) resonated deeply. It was not just a house; it was a statement of defiance and resourcefulness.

Lake Victoria, shared by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, has long been home to fishing communities. Yet a full residential structure floating on its surface is rare enough to spark both admiration and curiosity. How was the floating base engineered? How long has it been there?

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These questions remain unanswered, as the builder’s identity has not been publicly confirmed. What is clear, however, is that the house includes the basic features of a typical mabati home, suggesting it is more than a stunt, it may genuinely serve as a living space.

2026 INDEPENDENCE DAY ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE BY THE FCT MINISTER

FCT MINISTER, HIS EXCELLENCY, EZENWO NYESOM WIKE

2026 INDEPENDENCE DAY ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE BY THE FCT MINISTER, HIS EXCELLENCY, EZENWO NYESOM WIKE, CON, TO RESIDENTS OF THE FCT

 

1. Dear Residents of the Federal Capital Territory,

2. On this auspicious day, as we celebrate the 66th Independence Anniversary of our great nation, on behalf of the FCT Administration, I extend my warmest greetings and congratulations to every one of you.

3. Sixty-six years ago, our founding fathers laid the foundation for a sovereign nation built on the ideals of freedom, unity, and progress. Today, we look back at our journey with pride, acknowledging our resilience as a people and reaffirming our commitment to the growth and prosperity of our beloved country.

4. In keeping with the theme of this year’s celebration, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity”, we acknowledge the challenges that have faced our nation in the past 66 years, but also see a great opportunity for renewal and sustainable growth. We are very optimistic that the future is brighter. We have a President who is intentional about prioritising the well-being of the citizens and has brought unprecedented development to the FCT.

5. The Federal Capital Territory stands as the ultimate symbol of our national unity—a place where Nigerians from every tribe, tongue, and faith come together to live, work, and thrive in peace. Abuja is not just a city; it is the heartbeat of a diverse people bound by a common destiny.

6. As an administration, our primary mission remains the transformation of Abuja into a world-class capital city that reflects this collective strength. We are driven by a vision of a modern, inclusive, and functional territory where public services work for everyone.

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7. This administration understands that a capital city must lead by example, and we are fully committed to setting a standard of excellence in governance. In line with the Renewed Hope of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have ensured that the benefits of good governance extend to the common man outside the city centre.

8. To achieve this, we invested heavily in critical infrastructure, upgrading our road networks, and expanding public transportation to ease commuting. We are tackling the challenges of urban sprawl by ensuring that development reaches every corner of our territory. From the city center to the outermost communities, our focus is on building durable infrastructure that will serve generations to come.

FCTA SET TO COMMENCE RELOCATION OF APO MECHANICS AND TRADERS, AS MINISTER SETS UP COMMITTEE TO ENSURE HITCH-FREE EXERCISE

FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, addressing Apo mechanics and traders, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, ahead of their relocation to Wasa Informal Sector, Abuja.

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCTA SET TO COMMENCE RELOCATION OF APO MECHANICS AND TRADERS, AS MINISTER SETS UP COMMITTEE TO ENSURE HITCH-FREE EXERCISE

…DRUMS UP SUPPORT FOR PRESIDENT TINUBU’S REELECTION

Following the successful provision and commissioning of vital infrastructure at the Informal Sector in Wassa District for the relocation of Apo Mechanics and Traders, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has constituted a high-powered Committee to ensure a seamless and hitch-free relocation exercise.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with the leadership and members of the Apo Mechanics and Traders Association at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the Minister disclosed that he will chair the Committee while members will include the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Hon Chidi Amadi, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda and the Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze.

Other members of the Committee, according to the Minister are the Ag Director Urban Affairs, in AMMC, Tpl Abubakar Makama and the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Maikalangu.

The Minister directed the committee to engage directly with the traders' associations to resolve all lingering grievances and submit a comprehensive report within one week. To guarantee transparency, Barrister Wike ordered an immediate fresh physical verification exercise at the Apo Mechanic Village to ensure that every genuine business operator is accurately captured. The directive follows concerns raised by a faction of the association regarding the previous enumeration process, which they alleged compromised their interests.

Addressing the aggrieved members, the Minister stressed that a physical identification method is essential to eliminate fraud and administrative inflation. He emphasized that physical verification remains the only credible approach to ensure that genuine traders and mechanics occupying the area are duly protected, noting that allowing unverified list submissions invites non-stakeholders who have no actual business presence at the site.

“What is better is to do physical identification and enumeration because if we allow people to go and write names, you will write your in-laws, you will write your great grandchildren who do not even have anything to do with the area. So, physical identification and enumeration is the best method”, the Minister stated.

He urged all parties to cooperate fully to enable a swift conclusion of the exercise, noting that the continued presence of the mechanics and traders at the current Apo location is directly obstructing an ongoing major road project. Giving a three-day window for affected traders to participate in the fresh enumeration, he appealed for calm and understanding, reassuring them that the administration is determined to finalize the relocation and issue titles before the end of the year once full cooperation is established.

“Now, if you say you were not part of it, I will give you an opportunity within three days to go and do the enumeration that you are saying you didn’t do. I’m talking about those who are doing business there and we will see the type of business you are doing”, the FCT Minister said.

“However, I don’t want any hiccups. What I will plead with all of you is that please take it easy so we don't use this excuse and stop this movement. It is for your own good. Let us agree in principle that the time to move has come. I must give you this title anyhow before the end of this year. For me I can sign it in a day, even if it is 4,000 or 5,000, I can sign it in a day. My problem is you cooperating. Government has designed that area as a different place. If we don’t do it now, you may not get it again. Cooperate with them and we will do it in one week”, the Minister stated.

Demonstrating the administration's commitment to securing the livelihoods of the traders, Barrister Wike instructed the Director of Land Administration to immediately prepare the Rights of Occupancy (R of O) for his signature. He assured the traders that upon the commencement of development at the permanent site in Wassa, Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) will also be issued to all verified beneficiaries.

Reiterating that previous attempts to relocate the traders over the years were bogged down by political promises, the Minister assured the delegation that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to making the relocation a reality.

He recalled that primary infrastructure at the Wassa site had already been completed and officially commissioned by the administration, calling on the traders to also give their full support to the President.

“See as we are taking pains to solve your problems. So, take pains to also give the President your support. It would be an act of wickedness for you not to appreciate it. What is governance? It is making the people to be happy …The Man has done the roads and where you can move to, why will you not vote for him”, the Minister queried. 

He announced that should the President lose the FCT or Rivers State, it would be an indication that he is not worthy of occupying the seat as the Minister of the nation’s capital city.

FCT EXCO APPROVES RESUMPTION OF WORK ON ABANDONED UTAKO GENERAL HOSPITAL, UPGRADE OF ALL FCT GENERAL HOSPITALS

FCT Minister, Mr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, presiding over the 19th FCT Executive Committee Meeting (on his right is the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCT EXCO APPROVES RESUMPTION OF WORK ON ABANDONED UTAKO GENERAL HOSPITAL, UPGRADE OF ALL FCT GENERAL HOSPITALS

…ALSO APPROVED, DIGITIZATION OF COURTS, RURAL SECURITY EXPANSION, AND MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES

The 19th Federal Capital Territory Executive Committee (FCT EXCO) meeting, presided over by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, alongside the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has approved the immediate resumption of work on the abandoned Utako General Hospital in Abuja.

The Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, made the revelation while briefing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 on the outcome of the FCT EXCO Meeting regarding the health sector.

Dr Fasawe said work on the long-abandoned Utako General Hospital project will resume immediately, with approved plans covering its complete construction, equipping, and staffing.

While also highlighting other major outcomes of the EXCO regarding the health sector, the Health Secretary said the EXCO also approved the immediate award of contracts for the full renovation, rehabilitation, and modern re-equipping of all FCT general hospitals.

According to her, “I am happy to say that the Minister has ordered the immediate award of renovation and rehabilitation of all the general hospitals in the FCT. And this is to include procurement of new equipment, x-ray machines, diagnostic materials, even all the way to the theatre. Also, the Utako General Hospital which has long been abandoned, he has also ordered for work to start on building, constructing, equipping, and staffing the Utako General Hospital”.

The Health Secretary said this will go a long way in making health care of the right quality available to the citizens of the FCT.

AMA EBONY - The Library Encounter

Ama Ebony in the Library

AMA EBONY - The Library Encounter

INT. UNIVERSITY LIBRARY – AFTERNOON

Rows of bookshelves line the quiet hall. Students are scattered at tables, reading and typing. AMA EBONY sits at a corner desk, focused on her notes. A male student, KOLA, approaches with a confident smile.

KOLA: (leaning casually on the desk) Ama Ebony, you always look so serious. Don’t you ever take a break?

AMA EBONY: (looks up briefly, calm but firm) Breaks are for when the work is done, Kola. Exams don’t wait for charm.

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KOLA: (smiling wider) Charm? You wound me. I was only hoping to brighten your day. Maybe we could grab a drink later?

AMA EBONY: (sets her pen down, meeting his gaze) Kola, let’s be honest. You’ve asked me this before, and my answer hasn’t changed. Respect means listening when someone sets boundaries.

AMA EBONY - The Election Debate

Ama Ebony in the school hall

This episode of AMA EBONY is focused on campus politics — a theme that lets Ama Ebony’s sharp intellect and integrity shine through the chaos of student leadership and power plays.

AMA EBONY - The Election Debate

INT. UNIVERSITY AUDITORIUM – EVENING

Students fill the hall, murmuring with excitement. Banners of different student associations hang from the walls. AMA EBONY sits among the audience, notebook in hand. On stage, two student leaders — TUNDE and BISI — argue passionately about campaign promises.

TUNDE: (raising his voice) We need bold leadership! I’ll make sure every student gets free Wi-Fi and better hostel conditions.

BISI: (sarcastic) Promises are easy, Tunde. But leadership isn’t about slogans — it’s about accountability.

The crowd reacts with mixed cheers and laughter. Ama Ebony watches, her expression thoughtful.

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AMA EBONY: (quietly, to her friend ADA seated beside her) They’re both missing the point. Politics isn’t theatre — it’s service.

ADA: (grinning) You should be up there, Ama. You’d silence them both.

AMA EBONY: (smiling faintly) Silence isn’t the goal, Ada. Understanding is.

After the debate, Tunde approaches Ama Ebony near the exit.

TUNDE: (confidently) Ama, you’re respected on campus. Endorse me — your voice carries weight.

AMA EBONY: (pauses, then speaks calmly) Tunde, respect isn’t a currency to spend. It’s earned through truth. I don’t endorse people; I endorse principles.

Editorial Reports | At This Time

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Nigeria at this time is grappling with political debates over President Tinubu’s prolonged absence abroad, economic challenges including new World Bank loan talks, and security concerns with banditry and drug seizures. Globally, tensions remain high with the Iran war, Israeli military escalations, and financial markets tumbling due to surging oil prices and U.S. bond yields.

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Nigeria: Tinubu’s Absence and Political Reactions

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prolonged stay abroad has ignited heated debate across Nigeria’s political landscape. Opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have criticized his absence from key international engagements, questioning whether governance is being undermined. The Presidency insists Tinubu remains active, pointing to his remote facilitation of a $7 billion deep-sea port project in Ogun State. His expected return tomorrow, ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day celebrations, will likely calm tensions, but the episode has underscored the fragility of public trust in leadership continuity.

Only God can settle conflict between Tinubu, Aregbesola — Adeyeye

Only God can settle conflict between Tinubu, Aregbesola — Adeyeye

Only God Can Heal the Rift Between Tinubu and Aregbesola

In the ever-shifting landscape of Nigerian politics, few relationships have drawn as much attention as that between President Bola Tinubu and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Once allies bound by shared vision and party loyalty, their bond has frayed into a public rift that continues to cast a shadow over the All Progressives Congress (APC). Former Senator Olusola Adeyeye’s recent remarks underscore the depth of this divide, suggesting that reconciliation lies not in the hands of mediators or party elders, but in divine intervention and the willingness of the two men themselves to forgive each other.

Adeyeye, speaking on national television, was candid in his assessment: “When things get to be like this, only the two of them can forgive each other.” His words reflect both the gravity of the conflict and the limitations of political maneuvering in resolving personal grievances. As South-West Coordinator of the APC presidential campaign council, Adeyeye’s concern is not merely sentimental; he views reconciliation as a strategic necessity for Tinubu’s 2027 campaign. 

A united front in the South-West, he argues, is essential if the APC is to retain dominance in the region and secure victory at the polls.

Adeyeye, who is the South-West Coordinator of the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign council, said he wanted the two political figures brought together because he believed their reconciliation would benefit the APC and Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign..

Yet, the path to unity is complicated. Aregbesola’s current affiliation with the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) presents a formidable obstacle. For him to abandon the party would risk alienating his loyal followers, many of whom have invested their political futures in his leadership within the ADC.

Adeyeye acknowledges this reality, noting that such a move “won’t look good to his admirers.” The tension between personal loyalty and political pragmatism is at the heart of this impasse.

Despite these challenges, Adeyeye remains confident in the APC’s prospects. He dismisses the ADC’s performance in recent elections as inconsequential, pointing out that Aregbesola himself was not a candidate. Still, he concedes that Aregbesola’s personal popularity remains formidable.