…Akume inaugurates committee for June 12 celebration

…Activities include public lecture, presidential broadcast, gala night

The Federal Government on Tuesday inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate activities for the 27th Democracy Day celebration, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expected to address a joint session of the National Assembly as part of events marking the June 12 anniversary.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who inaugurated the committee in Abuja, said this year’s celebration would provide an opportunity to honour the heroes of Nigeria’s democratic struggle while showcasing the achievements of the Tinubu administration.

Akume disclosed that activities lined up for the commemoration include 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 National Assembly Address by President Tinubu and a Democracy Day Gala Night.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the SGF’s Conference Room in the Shehu Shagari Complex, Abuja, Akume described Democracy Day as a time for Nigerians to reflect on the resilience, courage and determination of citizens who sacrificed for the enthronement of democratic governance.

He paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12, 1993 struggle and the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, whose sacrifice, he said, led to the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the SGF said the democratic values and institutions being strengthened across the country today are founded on the sacrifices of patriots and democrats who fought for the restoration of democratic rule.

“Commemorating Democracy Day remains a fitting and necessary way of honouring their memory while celebrating the nation’s democratic progress”, he said.

Akume noted that the annual celebration also affords the government an opportunity to showcase its achievements and reaffirm its commitment to democratic ideals, institutional strengthening and national development.

He said the celebration would enable the administration to demonstrate progress made in consolidating democracy, strengthening institutions and repositioning the country through various reform initiatives despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.

With only 10 days to the anniversary, the SGF urged members of the committee to commence work immediately to ensure the successful execution of all activities planned for the celebration.

He stressed that in line with the mood of the nation and the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, this year’s Democracy Day activities would be “modest but purposeful.”

Akume also disclosed that the committee had been divided into various sub-committees to handle different aspects of the celebration, while the Secretariat would communicate their memberships and specific terms of reference.

He directed all sub-committee secretaries to submit their budgets promptly for consideration and approval.

The committee, chaired by the SGF, has as members the Ministers of Information and National Orientation, Interior, Federal Capital Territory, Health, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, and Defence.

Other members are the National Security Adviser; Special Advisers to the President on Policy Coordination, Information and Strategy, and Media and Public Communications; the Inspector-General of Police; Director-General of the Department of State Services; Director-General of the National Sports Commission; Commander of the Guards Brigade; and the Permanent Secretaries of State House, General Services Office, Cabinet Affairs Office, and Political and Economic Affairs Office, who will serve as secretary of the committee.

The committee’s mandate includes planning, organising and executing all approved activities for the June 12 celebration, co-opting relevant organisations and individuals where necessary, documenting all activities for posterity and undertaking any other assignments required for the successful implementation of the programme.

Akume expressed confidence in the ability of committee members to deliver a successful and memorable celebration that would reflect Nigeria’s democratic achievements and aspirations.

He urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the 27th Democracy Day celebration serves as a worthy tribute to the nation’s democratic heroes and a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance. (The Nation)

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