THE SECRETARY to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, on Tuesday inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the 27th Democracy Day celebration and charged members to commence preparations immediately.
According to a statement by Mr Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF, Akume described Democracy Day as an opportunity to reflect on the resilience, courage and determination of Nigerians who made sacrifices in the struggle for democratic governance.
He paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12, 1993 democratic struggle and late Chief Moshood (MKO) Abiola, whose sacrifice and commitment to democracy led to the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day.
The SGF said the democratic values and institutions being strengthened across the country were founded on the sacrifices of patriots and democrats who fought for the enthronement of democratic rule in Nigeria.
Akume said the annual celebration also provided an opportunity for the Federal Government to showcase its achievements and reaffirm its commitment to democratic ideals, institutional strengthening and national development.
He added that the celebration would enable the administration of President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate progress made in consolidating democracy, strengthening institutions and repositioning the country through various reform initiatives despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.
The SGF said that with only 10 days to the June 12 anniversary, members of the committee must begin work immediately to ensure the successful execution of all planned activities.
He said that in line with the mood of the nation and government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, activities for the celebration would be modest but purposeful.
Akume listed the approved activities for the celebration to include a World Press Conference on June 4, Special Juma’at Prayers on June 5, a Special Inter-denominational Church Service on June 7, a Democracy Day Public Lecture on June 9, and Youth and Women-Oriented Programmes on June 10.
Others, according to him, are a Presidential Broadcast, a Joint National Assembly Address by President Tinubu and a Democracy Day Gala Night, all scheduled for June 12.
The SGF disclosed that the committee had been divided into various sub-committees to handle different aspects of the celebration, adding that the terms of reference and membership of the sub-committees would be communicated by the secretariat.
Akume directed all sub-committee secretaries to submit their budgets promptly for consideration and approval to ensure seamless implementation of the programmes.
He said the committee’s terms of reference include planning, organising and executing all approved activities for the anniversary, co-opting relevant organisations or individuals where necessary, documenting activities undertaken during the celebration and carrying out other assignments required for the successful implementation of the programme.
The SGF expressed confidence in the ability of members of the committee to deliver a successful and memorable celebration.
He urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the 27th Democracy Day celebration serves as a worthy tribute to Nigeria’s democratic heroes and a reaffirmation of the nation’s commitment to democratic governance. (NAN)
