Nollywood stars, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Kate Henshaw, Timini Egbuson and Funke Akindele, have joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating the country’s 66th Independence Day.
The actors used their social media platforms to commemorate the anniversary while highlighting the role citizens can play in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Nigeria attained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. The country marked 66 years of independence on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
RMD, who shared photographs of himself dressed in green damask, urged Nigerians to contribute to nation-building through their daily actions.
He noted that building a better country requires collective efforts, kindness, honesty and a commitment by citizens to do their part.
In a joint video, RMD, Henshaw, Egbuson and Akindele also stressed the importance of citizens in shaping the country, with the message that “Nigeria is a people.”
Akindele, in a separate post, acknowledged the challenges facing the country but said Nigeria’s independence remained worth celebrating. She also expressed hope and prayed for a better nation.
Other entertainers, including filmmaker Biodun Stephen and Ghanaian actor Van Vicker, also joined Nigerians across the world in marking the anniversary with photographs and videos.
The celebrities’ messages came amid reflections on Nigeria’s 66-year journey and continuing discussions about the country’s development and the challenges confronting citizens.
In his Independence Day address, President Bola Tinubu reflected on Nigeria’s journey since independence, recalling the country’s experience with civil war, military rule, economic crises, insecurity and political upheaval.
The President said Nigeria had endured the difficult periods and urged citizens to look ahead as the country pursues greater prosperity.
The Federal Government had also called on Nigerians to use the anniversary to promote unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
The 66th Independence anniversary comes as Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted constitutional democracy. President Tinubu noted in his June 2026 Democracy Day address that the country had maintained 27 consecutive years of civilian rule since the return to democracy in 1999.
