From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) responsible for organising the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations, with a mandate to ensure a memorable and fitting commemoration of the nation’s democratic journey.
The committee’s inauguration, announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, took place on Thursday, June 5, in Abuja, according to a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who chairs the committee, underscored the significance of Democracy Day as a time to honour the sacrifices and contributions of Nigeria’s national heroes who fought for democratic governance. Represented by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Akume said, “It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the inaugural meeting of the 2025 Democracy Day Celebration Inter-Ministerial Committee. This year’s celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of our founding fathers to attain independence and to remember the challenges faced by democratic champions in their fight against military dictatorship. Celebrating this day honours their place in history.”
He noted that the annual Democracy Day celebration provides a platform for the government to showcase its achievements and present its performance scorecard to Nigerians. Akume urged the committee to align its efforts with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to advance national development.
The committee has outlined a series of activities, including a World Press Briefing and a Special Juma’at Service on Friday, June 6; a Church Service on Sunday, June 8; a Youth Programme on Tuesday, June 9; a Public Lecture on Wednesday, June 11; and a Presidential Broadcast and Parade on Thursday, June 12.
The IMC, chaired by Akume, includes key officials such as the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi; Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya; Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (OSGF), Dr Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Kachollom Daju; and Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office (OSGF), Nadungu Gagare, who serves as Member/Secretary.
The committee’s terms of reference include planning, organising, and executing all approved Democracy Day activities; co-opting relevant organisations or individuals for successful implementation; documenting all events for posterity; and undertaking any other assignments necessary for the celebration.
The federal government’s commitment to Democracy Day underscores its dedication to honouring Nigeria’s democratic heritage and promoting national unity.