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By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has called for renewed unity, resilience and collective responsibility as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

Ikpeazu made the call in Madrid while addressing Nigerians and guests at an event organised to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Day, saying nation-building remained a continuous process requiring the contribution of every citizen.

He congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians, particularly members of the Nigerian community in Spain, on the anniversary.

“It is my profound honour and privilege to welcome you all to this event marking the 66th anniversary of the independence of our beloved country, Nigeria. As you are aware, on this day in 1960, our great nation proudly raised its green-white-green flag and took its rightful place among the free and sovereign nations of the world,” he said.

According to him, the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since independence and reaffirm the country’s commitment to freedom, unity, progress and dignity.

“I congratulate His Excellency, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and all Nigerians, especially those residing in the Kingdom of Spain, as we celebrate our national day. Permit me to pay tribute to those who envisioned our country, our nationalists and patriots whose courage and sacrifice secured our freedom.

“Their legacy reminds us that nation-building is a continuous endeavour, which demands resilience, innovation, and collective responsibility,” Ikpeazu said.

The envoy described Nigeria as Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, noting its human capital, cultural diversity and natural resources.

“Nigeria today stands as Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies, a country rich in human talent, cultural diversity, and natural resources,” he added.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s democratic institutions, youthful population and contribution to peace, security and development in Africa and beyond.
Ikpeazu used the occasion to highlight the growing relationship between Nigeria and Spain, describing the bilateral ties as being anchored on mutual respect, constructive dialogue and expanding cooperation.

“This anniversary also provides an opportunity to reflect on the strong and growing bonds of friendship between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Spain. Our bilateral relations are characterised by mutual respect, constructive dialogue, and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges,” he said.

He noted that Spanish companies, including GB Foods, continued to explore opportunities in Nigeria, while Nigerians living in Spain were making contributions to the country’s social and economic life.

“Spanish companies like GB Foods and others continue to find opportunities in Nigeria’s dynamic market, while Nigerians in Spain contribute meaningfully to the social and economic fabric of this great country,” he said.

Ambassador Ikpeazu said Nigeria valued Spain’s partnership and was interested in expanding cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and the creative industries.

He added that the Nigerian diplomatic mission would continue working to create opportunities for investment and business-to-business partnerships.

“I want to categorically affirm that we will continue to create opportunities for investment and business-to-business matchmaking to develop our country,” he stated.
He also commended Nigerians living in Spain, describing students, professionals and entrepreneurs as important links between both countries.

“To the Nigerian community here in Spain – our students, professionals and entrepreneurs — I extend special greetings. You remain our most valuable ambassadors. Your hard work, integrity, and achievements enhance the image of our nation and strengthen the bridges between our two countries,” he asserted.

He therefore urged members of the community to remain united and law-abiding while upholding the values of enterprise, innovation and resilience associated with Nigerians.

Ikpeazu said Nigeria was pursuing reforms aimed at diversifying its economy, improving governance and promoting inclusive growth under the Tinubu administration.

“Looking ahead, Nigeria under the leadership of Mr President continues to pursue reforms aimed at economic diversification, improved governance, and inclusive growth.

“We are not satisfied with the present economic realities, but we are making progress as a people. Government is determined to harness the energy of our youth, the creativity of our people, and the strength of our diversity to build a more prosperous and secure future,” he said.

He acknowledged the importance of international partnerships in achieving those objectives, particularly the continued friendship and support of Spain.

“In this endeavour, the support and friendship of partners such as Spain remain invaluable.

“Fellow Nigerians, as we raise a toast to Nigeria at 66, let us renew our pledge to work together for a nation that is peaceful, prosperous, and respected in the comity of nations,” he said.

As Nigerians celebrated 66 years of independence, Ikpeazu urged citizens to renew their commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous country.

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By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful about the country as Nigeria marks its Independence Anniversary, saying the nation is making progress politically, socially and economically.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker congratulated Nigerians on the anniversary and called for greater patriotism, peace and unity in the task of nation-building.

Abbas said Nigeria’s democratic journey had continued to mature, noting that democracy now thrives in the country, which remains the most populous Black nation in the world.

He urged Nigerians to collectively contribute to the development, growth and prosperity of the country rather than allowing political, ethnic or religious differences to undermine national unity.

Abbas also called for continued prayers and support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that nationhood should transcend political affiliations and ethno-religious considerations.

The Speaker said there was a need for a renewed national orientation focused on patriotism and the advancement of the country.
He urged Nigerians to love their country and remain committed to building a better future for generations to come.

Abbas wished Nigerians a happy Independence Anniversary and urged citizens to celebrate the occasion with renewed hope and commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

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Some personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces have confirmed that they have started receiving salaries reflecting the recently approved 80 per cent increase for junior military personnel under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“I can categorically confirm that personnels of the Nigerian Military have now started receiving their newly increased salaries as approved by President @officialABAT in August,” he wrote.

He said the salary increase was expected to boost the morale of troops deployed in operations across the country.

“Another critical factor that is expected to boost the morale of our frontline forces as we continue to win the war against insecurity,” Olusegun added.

The salary adjustment follows President Tinubu’s approval in August of increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for personnel of the Armed Forces.

The new salary structure took effect from September 1, 2026.

Under the approved structure, personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant are to receive an 80 per cent salary increase, while those from Warrant Officer to Colonel are to receive a 50 per cent increase.

Officers above the rank of Colonel, including Brigadier-General, Major-General, Lieutenant-General and General, are to receive a 30 per cent increase.

About 250,000 military personnel are expected to benefit from the new salary package.

The Presidency had said the adjustment would increase the annual salary bill for the Armed Forces from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion.

Tinubu, while announcing the approval, said members of the military deserved greater support because of their role in confronting banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across the country.

“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation,” he said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on August 4.

The President also said his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of troops while providing the Armed Forces with weapons and technological tools required for military operations.

The implementation of the salary increase comes as Nigerian troops remain deployed in various operations against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.

This recent increment followed exclusive reports done by SaharaReporters which revealed the struggles of the solders amid poor pay.

For instance, in September 2025, some personnel of the Nigerian Army cried out over the nonpayment of their allowances and poor salaries and called for a review from the President Bola Tinubu-led government.

According to the soldiers, attempts to complain have been met with threats by the army authorities.

They also called for a review of the allowances to reflect the current economic realities of the country.

Soldiers serving in the Nigerian Army have lamented the poor salaries of junior personnel in the country.

The soldiers while speaking to SaharaReporters accused the Nigerian government of failing to improve welfare package for military officers as a gesture to show appreciation for their efforts in securing the country.

The soldiers, who spoke to SaharaReporters on Thursday morning, said the new salaries began reflecting in their accounts on Wednesday evening.

According to them, personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant are receiving the approved 80 per cent increase.

A Private, who previously earned about ₦103,000, now receives approximately ₦190,000, while a Lance Corporal whose previous salary was about ₦110,000 now receives approximately ₦202,000, according to the soldiers.

“Private soldiers ₦190k. Lance Corporal ₦202k, go on like that. It is exactly the 80 per cent as they promised,” one of the soldiers.

The development confirms an earlier announcement by Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, who said military personnel had begun receiving the newly increased salaries.

Olusegun disclosed this in a post on X on Thursday.