ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Chapter of the International Friendship League (IFL) on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, held a special program in Asaba to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day with the theme: “Beyond Independence: Living in True Freedom.”
International Friendship League (IFL), is a non-denominational gathering of people of means and might, class and calibre, influence and institutional relevance characterised by certain values such as friendship, fellowship, fruitfulness and focus.
Chairman of the program and former Head of Service of Delta State, Mr. Reginald Bayoko, opened the discussion with a call on Nigerians to embrace the deeper meaning of independence.
He recalled the historic moment in 1960 when the Union Jack was lowered and Nigeria’s green-white-green flag was raised. “That moment gave us the right to write our own story as a sovereign nation,” he said. “But independence was only the opening chapter. True freedom is the story we must all continue to write together.”
Quoting Galatians 5:1, he urged Nigerians to see liberty as a responsibility. “Today, we are not just raising flags; we must raise the bar of what a free Nigeria can be.”
Declaring the program officially open, Mr. Bayoko left the audience with a charge: “May our conversations be honest, our laughter contagious, our disagreements respectful, and our outcomes transformative for the nation.”
Panelist Prof. Robert O. Dode, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Dennis Osadebey University, traced Nigeria’s journey through slavery, colonialism, military rule, and democracy.
He described Nigeria’s independence as “flag independence,” arguing that neo-colonialism still ties the country to external control. “It is like giving someone a goat but tying it to a post; the animal may appear free, but its movements are limited,” he explained.
He acknowledged the progress of 26 years of uninterrupted democracy but stressed that true freedom is still ahead. “Freedom is not just the absence of chains, it is the presence of opportunities, justice, and the right conditions to maximize potential,” he said.
Prof. Dode further argued that no nation can progress without God-centered leadership. “Nigeria is one of the most blessed countries in the world, but as Chinua Achebe observed, the core problem remains leadership. Without godly, value-driven leadership, we cannot fully harness our greatness.”
Pastor Phillips Enweazor, Regional Overseer of Deeper Life Bible Church (Anioma Region), emphasized that spiritual freedom is the bedrock of all other liberties.
“Much has been said about political independence, but I want to remind us of something even more important: spiritual freedom. Without it, no man or woman can truly enjoy life, no matter how much talent, skill, or wealth they may have,” he said.
He warned that spiritual slavery—being bound by sin, robs people of their purpose. “A man may appear successful outwardly, but if he is still bound by sin, he is not truly free. True freedom begins when a person is delivered from the power of sin,” he added.
Adding an economic perspective, Mrs. Anyafulu Anthonia, Director of Finance and Accounts, Federal Ministry of Trade & Investment (FCT), spoke on the link between financial discipline, economic growth, and spiritual values.
She compared Nigeria’s struggles to Israel in the Bible, recalling Hosea 7:8 where Israel was described as “a cake not turned.” “When a nation forgets God, it loses its balance and direction,” she warned.
On financial freedom, she explained: “It means having enough resources and the discipline to live without being enslaved by debt, poverty, or material desires. It involves building wealth, managing resources wisely, and creating multiple streams of income.”
She urged Nigerians to adopt practical financial habits:
– Live by a budget and track expenses.
– Save consistently and invest in assets that generate passive income.
– Avoid reckless spending and “get rich quick” schemes.
– Focus on long-term growth rather than shortcuts.
However, she stressed that true financial freedom comes only from God. Citing James 1:17, she said: “Every good and perfect gift is from above. Without God, all our efforts will end in vanity. He gives us the power to make wealth, the wisdom to manage it, and the grace to use it well.”
She concluded: “Political freedom without spiritual freedom is empty. Economic progress without dependence on God is unstable. But when we are free from sin, walking with God, and living responsibly, then we can truly experience freedom—in our hearts, in our finances, in our communities, and as a nation.”
The panel session, with its blend of political history, spiritual reflection, and financial wisdom, was described by participants as highly enriching and a timely reminder that Nigeria’s independence must translate into true freedom in every sphere of life.
The event was moderated by Pastor Akpati Ogude of Deeper Life Church, and ended with prayers and appreciation for the organizers.
The event drew together pastors, professors, senior government officials, media leaders, and community influencers, all reflecting on how Nigeria can move beyond political independence to embrace true freedom in spirit, governance, and economy.
The Delta North Overseer, of the Deeper Life Church, Pastor Godwin Osabohien concluded the programme with special prayer for the participants emphasising Jesus is the only true freedom.
