Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River State, joined the rest of the nation on October 1, 2025, in celebrating Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary with a grand display of patriotism, unity, and cultural heritage. The celebration was marked in two centres—Army Day Primary School, Akamkpa Township, where the Executive Chairman, Hon. (Ophot) Felix Akposi KSJI, presided, and St. Michael’s Primary School, Oban, Constituency 2, where he was ably represented by the Leader of Council, Hon. Princess Magdalene Ekpe.
The day opened with colourful march pasts by schools, youth groups, women’s associations, civil society organisations, and uniformed bodies. Green-and-white flags waved proudly as the crowd applauded each contingent.
Twenty two schools participated in Akamkpa Local Government Council Headquarters as “One With God Schools” clinched 1st position in the Nursery/Primary and Secondary School categories whereas Comprehensive High School clinched the 1st Position in Dance Performance with the Boys Brigade of Nigeria anchoring the instrumentation for the march past.
At Oban, five schools participated, with St. Michael’s Primary School Oban clinching first position among the primaries, while ECCDE of St. Michael’s Oban topped the nursery category. Certificates and prizes were awarded to winners.
Cultural performances highlighted the nation’s diversity. Traditional dances, masquerade displays, and indigenous music enthralled the audience, reminding the younger generation of the values of unity, respect, and cultural preservation. Vendors, families, and youths filled the arenas, turning the day into a carnival of joy and reflection.
In his Independence message, Chairman Akposi underscored the anniversary theme, “All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.” He declared that greatness cannot be achieved by leaders alone but by the collective effort of citizens. “Here in Akamkpa, our calling is simple yet profound: Serve the People,” he said, citing strides in water projects across 35 communities, bursary support to students, rebuilding of the Legislative Chambers, and ongoing security partnerships as evidence of the Council’s commitment to development.
He further assured that the Council is working to attract investments in agriculture and agro-processing, modernise cassava, rice, and oil palm value chains, and establish youth empowerment hubs in ICT, trades, and agribusiness. “All hands on deck means service to humanity,” he affirmed, pledging better schools, stronger health facilities, motorable roads, and expanded support for women entrepreneurs.
Traditional rulers in attendance blessed the land and echoed calls for peace and unity. Residents described the celebration as not just entertainment but a renewal of patriotism, drawing lessons from Nigeria’s struggles and triumphs while holding faith for a greater tomorrow.
As the sun set on the 65th Independence Anniversary, Akamkpa’s dual celebrations stood as a resounding statement of cultural pride, shared vision, and collective resolve to build a stronger nation from the grassroots.
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