The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) for the 27th Democracy Day Celebration, urging members to commence immediate preparations for a successful commemoration of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held on Tuesday in Abuja, SGF Akume described Democracy Day as an opportunity to reflect on the resilience, courage and determination of Nigerians who made immense sacrifices in the struggle for democratic governance.
The SGF paid glowing tribute to the heroes of the June 12, 1993 democratic struggle and the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, whose sacrifice and commitment to democracy led to the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day.
He noted that 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.
According to him, commemorating Democracy Day remains a fitting and necessary way of honouring their memory while celebrating the nation’s democratic progress.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Yomi Odunuga, SGF Akume further stated that Democracy Day provides the Federal Government with an opportunity to showcase its achievements and reaffirm its commitment to democratic ideals, institutional strengthening and national development.
He said that the celebration would enable the administration of President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate to Nigerians the progress recorded in consolidating democracy, strengthening institutions and repositioning the country through various reform initiatives despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.
The SGF observed that with only ten days to the June 12 anniversary, members of the committee must immediately commence work to ensure the successful execution of all activities earmarked 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 announced that activities approved for the 27th Democracy Day Celebration include a World Press Conference on Thursday, June 4, 2026; Special Juma’at Prayers on Friday, June 5, 2026; a Special Inter-denominational Church Service on Sunday, June 7, 2026; a Democracy Day Public Lecture on Tuesday, June 9, 2026; Youth and Women-Oriented Programmes on Wednesday, June 10, 2026; a Presidential Broadcast on Friday, June 12, 2026; a Joint National Assembly Address by President Bola Tinubu on Friday, June 12, 2026; and a Democracy Day Gala Night later the same day.
The SGF disclosed that the Inter-Ministerial Committee has been divided into various sub-committees to handle the different activities, adding that the terms of reference and membership of the sub-committees would be communicated by the Secretariat.
He directed all sub-committee secretaries to submit their budgets promptly for consideration and approval in order to ensure seamless implementation of the programmes.
Senator Akume thereafter formally inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee with himself, serving as Chairman.
Other members are the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Minister of Interior, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister of Health, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Minister for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy
Others are the Minister of Defence, National Security Adviser, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS), Director-General, National Sports Commission, Commander, Guards Brigade, Permanent Secretary, State House, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, and Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office.
The committee also has the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office as the Secretary.
The SGF stated that the committee’s Terms of Reference are to, Plan, organise and execute all approved activities for the 27th Democracy Day Anniversary scheduled for June 12, 2026;
2. Co-opt any organisation or individual considered relevant to the successful execution of the programme;
The committee will also document all activities undertaken in the course of the celebration for posterity; and
carry out any other assignment necessary for the successful implementation of the programme.
SGF Akume expressed confidence in the ability of members of the committee to deliver a successful and memorable celebration that would appropriately reflect Nigeria’s democratic achievements and aspirations.
He urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure that the 27th Democracy Day Celebration serves as a worthy tribute to the nation’s democratic heroes and a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to democratic governance.
