The federal government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) tasked with coordinating and delivering a memorable 2025 Democracy Day celebration.
The committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, was inaugurated on Wednesday in Abuja.
Representing the SGF at the inaugural meeting was the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu.
According to Bagudu, the Democracy Day celebration presents an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by Nigeria’s founding fathers and pro-democracy activists who fought to restore civil rule and uphold the principles of democratic governance in the country.
“This year’s Democracy Day celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of our founding fathers to attain independence for our dear nation, and to reflect on the daunting challenges and trauma that other democratic champions faced in their collective efforts to wrest power from the grip of military dictatorship. To celebrate this day in their remembrance is to honour and recognise their place in history,” Bagudu said.
He added that Democracy Day also allows the government to showcase its achievements and present its scorecard to the Nigerian people, reinforcing transparency and accountability in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The lineup of activities for the celebration include: World Press Briefing – Friday, June 6; Special Juma’at Service – Friday, June 6; Church Service – Sunday, June 8; Youth Programme – Tuesday, June 9; Public Lecture – Wednesday, June 11 and Presidential Broadcast and National Parade – Thursday, June 12.
Members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee include key cabinet ministers, heads of security agencies, and senior officials from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Some notable members include the Ministers of Finance, Information, Foreign Affairs, the FCT, and Interior, as well as the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, and the Commander of the Guards Brigade.
The committee has been charged with planning, organising, and executing all approved activities for the celebration, co-opting relevant stakeholders, documenting all events for posterity, and carrying out any additional tasks to ensure the success of the national commemoration.
The 2025 Democracy Day will mark Nigeria’s 26th celebration since the return to civilian rule in 1999 and the sixth official commemoration on June 12.
