West Sepik launches 50th Independence Golden Jubilee celebrations

Monday, 25 August 2025, 12:02 pm

Crowd doing the float around Vanimo as part of celebrations (NBC News)

The West Sepik Provincial Government launched its program for the 50th Independence Golden Jubilee celebrations in a vibrant event attended by leaders, public servants, church groups, and the general public.

The program on Friday begin with a colorful Jesus March and float led by the Assembly of Gods Churches, starting from the Vanimo Green District office at Dasi and ending at the Sandaun Provincial Administration head office in Vanimo Town.

Governor for West Sepik Province Tony Wouwou, in his keynote address, said the 50th Independence anniversary was a great milestone achievement for Papua New Guinea and the people of West Sepik Province.

“After 16th September 2025, it’s going to be a new walk for our nation and our province. The past is past, whatever mistakes we have made, we must learn from them and start afresh,” Wouwou said. He urged everyone to work together in unity, stressing that true development can only happen when people stand together.

“If God is willing, we will live to see another 50 years, appreciating the work we have done and contributing to build our province and nation, giving our future generations a successful and prosperous future,” the governor added.

The launch marks the start of the 50th Golden Jubilee Independence celebrations in the province leading up to the main celebrations on September 16th, as West Sepik joins the rest of the country in commemorating the country's 50 years of independence.