The Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate activities for the 27th Democracy Day celebration, with a renewed tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and other heroes of Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Speaking at the inauguration on Tuesday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, described Democracy Day as a moment for Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifices of individuals who fought for the restoration and sustenance of democratic governance in the country.
According to a statement issued by the SGF’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, Akume said the June 12 anniversary remains a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey and an opportunity to honour those who paid the ultimate price for democratic rule.
“The democratic values and institutions being strengthened across the country today are founded on the sacrifices and struggles of patriots and democrats who fought for the enthronement of democratic rule in Nigeria,” Akume said.
He paid special tribute to MKO Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, noting that his sacrifice and unwavering commitment to democracy paved the way for the official recognition of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
The SGF said the annual observance remains a fitting tribute to the memory of Abiola and other pro-democracy activists, while also providing an opportunity to celebrate the nation’s democratic gains.
Akume added that this year’s celebration would enable the Federal Government to showcase its achievements and reaffirm its commitment to democratic governance, institutional reforms and national development.
He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu would use the occasion to highlight progress made in consolidating democratic institutions and implementing key reforms despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.
With only 10 days remaining before the celebration, Akume directed members of the committee to commence work immediately to ensure the seamless execution of all approved programmes.
He stressed that the commemoration would be “modest but purposeful,” reflecting the government’s commitment to prudent management of public resources.
The SGF announced a lineup of activities for the celebration, including a World Press Conference on June 4, Special Juma’at Prayers on June 5, an Inter-denominational Church Service on June 7, a Democracy Day Public Lecture on June 9, Youth and Women-Oriented Programmes on June 10, a Presidential Broadcast on June 12, a Joint Session of the National Assembly to be addressed by President Tinubu, and a Democracy Day Gala Night.
Akume disclosed that the committee had been divided into several sub-committees to oversee different aspects of the programme and directed all sub-committee secretaries to submit their budgets for approval.
Expressing confidence in the committee’s capacity to deliver a successful celebration, he urged members and stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure the event serves as a worthy tribute to Nigeria’s democratic heroes and a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to democratic ideals.
The committee, chaired by the SGF, comprises key ministers, security chiefs and senior government officials, including the Ministers of Information, Interior, Defence, Finance and Foreign Affairs, as well as the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, among others.
Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day every June 12 in honour of the historic 1993 presidential election widely believed to have been won by the late MKO Abiola and the sacrifices of those who fought for the restoration of democratic rule, which was eventually achieved in 1999.
