As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, President Bola Tinubu will join former Heads of State, Generals Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, at a national discourse hosted by the prestigious Island Club, Lagos.
The event, scheduled for October 2, 2025, at the Peacock Hall, will feature renowned Pan-Africanist and thought leader, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, delivering the keynote lecture titled: “Nigeria and the African Reawakening: The Giant That Must Not Sleep.”
Chairman of the Island Club, Rotimi Martins, disclosed this at a press conference on Wednesday, noting that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will also grace the occasion.
The lecture will be followed by a high-level panel session with distinguished personalities, including former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi; and Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN). The session will be moderated by the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae.
Martins emphasized that the calibre of participants highlights the importance of the conversation, which will provide a platform to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since independence, assess its leadership role in Africa, and explore new strategies for national renewal.
“This is an occasion for sober reflection on our journey from colonial subjugation to sovereignty and an opportunity to assess Nigeria’s role in Africa’s political, economic, and cultural resurgence,” Martins said.
He added that the Island Club, which historically played a role in Nigeria’s independence struggle, remains a melting pot for statesmen, thought leaders, and visionaries, stressing that the forum is designed to provoke critical dialogue, inspire change, and reawaken national consciousness.
