…tasks members on national unity and historical reflection
By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) for the 2025 Democracy Day Celebration with a clear mandate to coordinate, organise, and deliver a befitting national commemoration that honours Nigeria’s democratic journey and the sacrifices of her heroes past.
According to an official signed statement made available by Segun Imohiosen, Director, Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, was represented at the inaugural meeting by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
In his remarks, Senator Bagudu conveyed the vision of the SGF for the 2025 Democracy Day Celebration, describing it as a solemn opportunity for national reflection and a platform for showcasing the progress achieved under Nigeria’s democratic dispensation.
“It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the inaugural meeting of the 26th Democracy Day Celebration Inter-Ministerial Committee,” he said. “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.”
Senator Bagudu further noted that Democracy Day not only pays tribute to national heroes but also serves as an avenue for the Federal Government to present its achievements to the Nigerian people. He urged members of the committee to work in close collaboration with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to actualise the Renewed Hope Agenda, anchored on good governance, economic revitalisation, and social development.
The committee, chaired by Senator George Akume, is composed of top-level officials drawn from key ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as security and advisory bodies. The members include:
The Hon. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris Malagi; Hon. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yusuf Tuggar; Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike; Hon. 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 Oluwatosin Ajayi; Commander, Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya; Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Kachollom Daju; and the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Engr. Nadungu Gagare, who serves as Member/Secretary of the committee.
The Terms of Reference for the committee include the planning, organisation, and execution of all approved activities for the Democracy Day Celebration; the power to co-opt any organisation or individual relevant to the success of the celebration; the documentation of all activities for historical records; and the execution of any other responsibility as may be required to ensure the success of the national event.
Activities lined up for the 2025 Democracy Day include a World Press Briefing and Special Juma’at Service on Friday, 6th June 2025; a Christian Church Service on Sunday, 8th June 2025; a Youth Programme on Tuesday, 9th June 2025; a Public Lecture on Wednesday, 11th June 2025; and the grand finale on Thursday, 12th June 2025, which will feature a Presidential Broadcast and a ceremonial parade.
As Nigeria prepares to mark its 26th Democracy Day since the return to civilian rule in 1999, the Federal Government has reiterated its resolve to use the occasion not only to celebrate democratic milestones but also to deepen national unity, civic engagement, and the culture of accountability in governance.
With the Inter-Ministerial Committee now fully inaugurated, the stage is set for a national celebration that honours the past, evaluates the present, and inspires hope for a better democratic future.
