By Hosea Parah, Abuja
The Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to coordinate activities for the 27th Democracy Day celebration, with a charge to members to commence immediate preparations for a successful commemoration of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who inaugurated the committee on Tuesday at the SGF Conference Room, Shehu Shagari Complex, Abuja, described Democracy Day as a significant occasion to reflect on the resilience, courage and sacrifices of Nigerians who fought for the restoration and sustenance of democratic governance in the country.
According to a statement signed by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Akume paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12, 1993 democratic struggle and the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, whose sacrifice and commitment to democracy contributed to the recognition of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
The SGF noted that the democratic institutions and values being strengthened across the country today were built on the sacrifices of patriots and pro-democracy activists who fought tirelessly for democratic rule.
“Commemorating Democracy Day remains a fitting and necessary way of honouring their memory while celebrating the nation’s democratic progress,” he said.
Akume stated that the annual celebration also provides an opportunity for the Federal Government to showcase its achievements and reaffirm its commitment to democratic ideals, institutional strengthening and national development.
He added that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would use the occasion to demonstrate the progress made in consolidating democracy, strengthening institutions and repositioning the country through various reform initiatives despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.
The SGF stressed the need for members of the committee to begin work immediately, noting that only ten days remained before the June 12 anniversary.
He also disclosed that, in line with the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, this year’s Democracy Day celebration would be modest but purposeful.
Akume announced that activities lined up for the celebration include a World Press Conference on June 4, Special Juma’at Prayers on June 5, a Special Inter-denominational Church Service on June 7, a Democracy Day Public Lecture on June 9, Youth and Women-Oriented Programmes on June 10, and a Presidential Broadcast by President Tinubu on June 12.
Other events scheduled for Democracy Day include a Joint National Assembly Address by the President and a Democracy Day Gala Night.
The SGF further revealed that the Inter-Ministerial Committee had been divided into various sub-committees to handle specific assignments, while the Secretariat would communicate the membership and terms of reference of the sub-committees.
He directed all sub-committee secretaries to submit their budgets promptly to facilitate approval and smooth implementation of the planned activities.
The committee, chaired by the SGF, comprises ministers, security chiefs, presidential advisers and senior government officials drawn from key ministries, departments and agencies.
Its terms of reference include planning and executing all approved activities for the celebration, co-opting relevant organisations and individuals where necessary, documenting all activities for posterity and undertaking any additional assignments required for the successful implementation of the programme.
Expressing confidence in the committee’s capacity, Akume urged members and stakeholders to work collaboratively to deliver a successful celebration that reflects Nigeria’s democratic achievements and aspirations.
He said the event should serve as a worthy tribute to the nation’s democratic heroes and reaffirm the country’s commitment to democratic governance and national development.