Akume heads inter-ministerial committee for Democracy Day celebration
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has been named the Chairman of the Federal Government’s committee on this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
Akume’s name and those of other members of the committee were announced yesterday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Committee tasked with planning and executing the 2025 Democracy Day Celebration.
The committee was also mandated to deliver a memorable and reflective anniversary of Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.
The inauguration was presided over by Senator Akume, who was represented by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Segun Imohiosen.
Bagudu emphasised the significance of Democracy Day as a moment to honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers and democratic heroes who fought for freedom, justice, and the return of civil governance.
“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 retrospect 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,” he said.
The minister noted that the annual celebration offers a platform for the government to present its achievements and reaffirm its commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He urged committee members to collaborate closely and diligently to ensure the success of the upcoming celebration.
The 2025 Democracy Day activities, scheduled to be held over a week in early June, include a World Press Briefing and Special Juma’at Service on Friday, June 6; a Church Service on Sunday, June 8; a Youth Engagement Programme on Tuesday, June 9; a Public Lecture on Wednesday, June 11; and the highlight of the celebration—a Presidential Broadcast and Parade on Thursday, June 12.
The committee comprises top federal officials, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Other members include the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.
Also on the committee are the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya; Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office in the OSGF, Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Kachollom Daju; and the Permanent Secretary in the Political and Economic Affairs Office in the OSGF, Nadungu Gagare, who also serves as the committee’s Secretary.
The terms of reference for the committee include planning, organising, and executing all approved activities for the 2025 Democracy Day; co-opting relevant organisations or individuals for the success of the programme; documenting all proceedings and events for posterity; and handling other assignments essential to the celebration’s success.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that this year’s Democracy Day celebration not only honours Nigeria’s democratic journey but also reinforces its vision of national renewal and unity.
The celebration on June 12 marks Nigeria’s democracy transition and honours the memory of June 12, 1993—widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in the country’s history and a pivotal moment in its democratic evolution.
