Nigeria turns 65 this Independence Day, and while the green-white-green is aging gracefully, so many things in our memory box are just about the same age.
Let’s be honest, 65 years is a long time, but somehow it doesn’t feel that way when you think of the things we still see, sing or laugh about today.
So, in true Naija style, let’s talk about a few things that have been with us almost as long as Nigeria herself.
1. Nsukka’s Pride – University of Nigeria (UNN)
Founded in 1960, UNN was our first real “Naija-made” university. Till today, you can’t argue with someone whose parents went to Nsukka, the bragging rights are eternal.
2. Nigerian Institute of Architects
The Nigerian Institute of Architects was born the same year as independence. These are the guys behind so many of our iconic structures. From old stadiums where we screamed “GOAL!” to the government buildings we still snap pictures in front of. Naija’s look would be incomplete without them.
3. The Famous Green-White-Green
Designed in 1959 by a 23-year-old student, Michael Akinkunmi. Imagine being 23 and creating a symbol that the whole world recognizes! That’s still the flag we paint on our faces during Super Eagles matches and Independence Day match-pasts in primary school.
4. Throwback Jingles & Childhood Memories
Okay, they’re not exactly 65, but let’s be honest; Independence Day takes us straight back to those iconic jingles and TV moments:
- “Super Story… story, story…” 🎶
- The old NEPA shout whenever light came back
- Nollywood classics that shaped our weekends.
They may not be institutions, but they’re the glue of our Naija nostalgia.
5. Seven- Up Bottling Company
The Seven-Up Bottling Company in Nigeria was officially incorporated in 1959, and the first bottle of 7UP was produced on October 1, 1960.
As of today (October 1st 2025), that makes the company about 65 years old since it started producing (or 66 years old counting from its incorporation in 1959).
Nigeria turning 65 isn’t just about the country, it’s about us. The people, the memories, the culture. The music we play, the fashion we rock, the movies we watch, the way we shout at football screens like the players can hear us. Nigeria is 65 and like that auntie that never seems to age, she’s still dancing, still shouting, still full of energy.
Here’s to 65 years of wahala, resilience and pure Naija vibes. May the next 65 come with more laughter, better governance and even juicier stories for us to gist about.
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
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