The morning sun rose over Yola with a sense of history on 1st October, 2025. At Mahmud Ribadu Square, the colors of the Nigerian flag fluttered in the breeze as thousands gathered to mark the country’s 65th Independence anniversary.
The crowd was a mix of school children in crisp uniforms, veterans in green caps, and everyday citizens who came out to be part of the moment.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru fintiri">Fintiri stood before them, his voice steady, reminding Nigerians that the anniversary was more than a celebration.
“True independence must go beyond survival. It must be about improving the lives of ordinary citizens,” he declared.
His words carried across the square, drawing cheers from the audience.
The Governor spoke about Nigeria’s journey since 1960, describing it as one of resilience in the face of war, poverty, and insecurity. He urged citizens to treat this milestone as a moment of sober reflection and renewed commitment to building a more united nation.
fintiri">Fintiri pointed to adamawa">Adamawa’s own progress as proof that dedication pays off. The state’s internally generated revenue has climbed from ₦6.2 billion in 2019 to ₦16.2 billion just five years later.
The announcement sparked applause, with many residents seeing it as a sign of self-reliance and hope in difficult times. For civil servants and traders in the crowd, it felt like a message that better days were within reach.
The Governor also revealed that adamawa">Adamawa is carrying out a historic recruitment exercise into the civil service.
A total of 12,000 qualified candidates are set to benefit—5,000 in ministries and agencies, another 5,000 in post-primary education, and 2,000 in healthcare. Parents in the crowd whispered to one another, some smiling with relief that their children might soon secure stable jobs.
Education, healthcare, and youth empowerment featured heavily in his speech. He explained how his administration has been rebuilding schools, reviving hospitals, and creating fresh opportunities for young people.
“We cannot talk about independence without lifting our youth,” he noted.
The square erupted with chants of support, particularly from the younger groups waving miniature flags.
The Independence Day atmosphere in Yola was filled with both pride and sober reflection.
Soldiers marched in perfect rhythm, school bands played high-pitched tunes, and cultural dancers performed routines that showcased adamawa">Adamawa’s diversity. Yet beneath the pageantry, the Governor’s call for unity and hard work remained the highlight of the day.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, James Iliya, added his own message. He reminded the crowd that nation-building is not the task of one person but of all citizens.
“This anniversary is not only about celebration, but also reflection and responsibility,” Iliya said.
He noted that the fintiri">Fintiri administration had successfully reduced debts left by past governments while strengthening adamawa">Adamawa’s financial base.
For Iliya, adamawa">Adamawa’s current focus on education, agriculture, innovation, and entrepreneurship shows that progress is possible when leaders and citizens work together.
Teachers, farmers, traders, and even journalists, he said, all have a role in shaping a Nigeria that can stand tall among nations.
Richard Danbala, Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in adamawa">Adamawa, echoed those sentiments. He described Independence Day as a moment of gratitude for Nigeria’s founding fathers who sacrificed for freedom.
“Nigeria’s diversity is a source of strength that must be harnessed for progress,” Danbala said, urging citizens to uphold unity, patriotism, and civic responsibility.
For many in attendance, the Governor’s message carried a personal weight. A teacher from Jimeta told The Gazette News that she felt inspired by the focus on education.
“When leaders talk about schools, it gives us hope. It means they see the future through our children,” she said, smiling as her students waved small flags.
A retired civil servant in the crowd expressed relief at the recruitment drive. “It has been long since young people had this kind of opportunity. My son has applied, and I pray he gets it,” he said with cautious optimism.
Across Yola, the Independence Day mood lingered. Families trooped out with children in green and white outfits. Street vendors sold roasted corn and suya near the square.
Youth groups carried banners that read “United We Stand.” It was clear that beyond the speeches, people were eager to hold on to a sense of hope and national pride.
Governor fintiri">Fintiri’s address captured that mood. His reminder that independence is not just survival but progress resonated deeply with those present.
As Nigeria turns 65, the message from adamawa">Adamawa was clear: unity, discipline, and hard work remain the keys to turning independence into real development.
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