The people of Lae, Morobe, and across the nation have already come together in celebration, reflection, and anticipation of the bright future ahead with a lineup of activities pre- and post-independence. Kicking off in the month of August, was the ‘Lae City’s Got Talent Competition’ from August 4th – 31st, celebrating local talent and creativity of the people of Lae. On September 12, the Joint Forces Parade will take place at Eriku Oval, where PNG’s Police Band and Military Forces will march through the city to honor the unity and strength of the nation’s defense forces. The Morobe Show 2025 will follow on September 13–14 at the Lae Showground, featuring the largest annual agricultural event in the country with exhibitions, competitions, and family-friendly activities. On September 15, the Lae City Independence Float & Yacht Regatta will take place at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium & Lae Yacht Club, offering a spectacular citywide float parade on land and sea to showcase the vibrant culture of Lae and PNG. The celebrations continue on September 16 with the PNG Golden Jubilee Celebrations & Asa Sumba Stori Tumbuna Concert at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium & Eriku Oval, featuring traditional singing groups, string bands, skydivers, a flyover, a live music concert, and fireworks to celebrate the nation’s 50 years of independence. The festivities will conclude on September 20–21 with the Big Church Day Out at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium, a two-day event dedicated to praise, worship, and gospel music, uniting faith communities in celebration. These events, culminating in the grand 50th Independence celebrations, are an opportunity for the people of Lae and the entire nation to reflect on the journey of nationhood, honor the contributions of our forefathers, and celebrate the resilience and progress that define Papua New Guinea. The 50th Jubilee Celebrations are a once-in-a-lifetime occasion to highlight the strength of the country’s unity in diversity, pay homage to our rich cultural heritage, and look forward to a brighter future together.