Thanks for visiting the Apple Support Communities. From your post, I understand that your iPad unexpectedly displayed the activation screen, and since then (over 24 hours), it hasn't actually be able to activate. I'm happy to help!
Based on what you've described, I would recommend using the steps here: If you can't activate your iPhone - Apple Support. Even though the article is specific to iPhone activation, the steps can still be helpful for an iPad. If you have an iPad WiFi + Cellular model, you can follow all the steps outlined. If the issue is with an iPad WiFi only model, you can skip steps that speak about the SIM or wireless carrier.
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iPad is stuck at Activation screen
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