Basra University for Oil and Gas celebrates Iraqi Sovereignty Day

The University of Basra for Oil and Gas held its central celebration of Iraqi Sovereignty Day, under the patronage of the President of the University, Professor Dr. Mohammed Hilal Hafez Al-Kaabi, on Sunday morning, October 4, 2026, in the central conference hall. The event was attended by faculty, staff, and students of the university. The ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by staff member Sajjad Maitham, followed by the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah for the souls of Iraq's martyrs. The Iraqi national anthem was then played, and a documentary film about Sovereignty Day was shown. Professor Dr. Mohammed Hilal Hafez Al-Kaabi, President of the University of Basra for Oil and Gas, then delivered a speech in which he stated: "With great pride and honor, we stand today to commemorate this important national occasion, Sovereignty Day in our beloved Iraq. This day embodies the meanings of independence and national dignity, and affirms Iraq's right to manage its own affairs, safeguard its national decisions, and preserve its security, stability, and territorial integrity." He continued, "Sovereignty is a comprehensive national responsibility based on respecting the constitution and the law, strengthening state institutions, establishing justice, protecting its resources and the capabilities of its people, and preserving its national decisions free from all foreign interference. Iraq has a history..." With its rich history, vast human and economic resources, Iraq deserves to be a strong, stable, and scientifically advanced nation, prosperous in its economy. Achieving these visions requires concerted efforts from the country's leadership and institutions, all the way to the citizen who represents Iraq and its bright future, God willing. Then came the speech of the Dean of the College of Industrial Management for Oil and Gas, Professor Dr. Sami Obaid Muhammad Al-Tamimi, on behalf of all the employees and teaching staff of the university, offering his sincerest congratulations and blessings to the dear Iraqi people on this occasion, in which we recall the meaning of the state, the sanctity of the homeland, and the independence of Iraqi decision-making. He explained that Iraq's sovereignty is not a slogan for occasions, nor a position open to interpretation or compromise, but rather an established right, a constitutional and national responsibility, and a trust placed upon all state institutions and national forces. He added that this day is to celebrate the dignity of the homeland and its decision-making, and that sovereignty is the blood of the martyrs that watered the land of this great country, the land of glory and values. Today we affirm that we protect our sovereignty with knowledge, by working sincerely to build our institutions in all sectors.

Afterwards, segments of poetry and patriotic songs expressing love for the homeland and celebrating the sovereignty of Iraq and its land were presented by a number of university employees and students, with Iraqi flags being raised in celebration and joy on this national occasion that is dear to the hearts of all the sons of the Iraqi people.