Independent Newspapers celebrates 70 years of UPE with lecture, awards in Lagos
Independent Newspapers Limited, publishers of Daily Independent, Saturday Independent, and Sunday Independent, will on Thursday, October 9, 2025, celebrate the 70th anniversary of Free Universal Primary Education (UPE) with a commemorative lecture and platinum awards ceremony in Lagos.
The landmark event, billed for Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, will be chaired by elder statesman and former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, while Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will serve as Chief Host.
A statement issued by the Managing Director of Independent Newspapers, Mr. Steve Omanufeme, said the programme will feature a public lecture to be delivered by renowned scholar Prof. Barth Nnaji, with discussions led by Dr. Danladi Bako, the Kogunan Sokoto, and Otunba Segun Runsewe, OON. The lecture begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by a platinum award gala night and red carpet at 7:00 p.m.
Omanufeme explained that the choice of the anniversary was to highlight the historic role of free education in Nigeria’s independence and development.
“Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Sir Ahmadu Bello, among other nationalists, were able to lead the struggle for independence because of the armour of education they acquired at great personal cost. Without education, there would have been no self-government for Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, deserving governors, corporate organisations, and distinguished individuals in both public and private sectors will receive platinum awards for sustaining the legacy of free primary education. President Bola Tinubu, who will attend as Distinguished Guest of Honour, will also present posthumous legacy awards to Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Sir Ahmadu Bello.
The royal fathers of the day are His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto; His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife; and His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha.
Captains of industry, policymakers, and global leaders from diverse sectors are also expected at the high-profile celebration.
