FG inaugurates committee for 2025 democracy day celebration

The Federal Government has officially set the ball rolling for the 2025 Democracy Day celebration with the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) responsible for planning and executing the national event.

The committee was inaugurated at an inaugural meeting presided over by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, who represented the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON.

In his address, Senator Bagudu underscored the importance of Democracy Day as a moment of national reflection and tribute to Nigeria’s democratic champions.

“This year’s Democracy Day is not just a commemoration—it is a time to reflect on the immense sacrifices of our founding fathers and other patriotic citizens who fought bravely for our nation’s independence and democratic freedom. Honouring their legacy reminds us of our duty to protect and sustain the democracy they fought for,” he said.

He added that the annual celebration also serves as a platform for the government to showcase its achievements and present a performance report to the Nigerian people. He encouraged the committee to work in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to deliver impactful results for Nigerians.

Activities for the 2025 Celebration

A series of events have been lined up in the lead-up to the national holiday, which takes place on 12th June. These include:

World Press Briefing – Friday, 6th June

Special Juma’at Service – Friday, 6th June

Church Service – Sunday, 8th June

Youth Engagement Programme – Tuesday, 9th June

Public Lecture – Wednesday, 11th June

Presidential Broadcast and National Parade – Thursday, 12th June

Who’s on the Committee? 

The Inter-Ministerial Committee is chaired by the SGF, Senator George Akume, and includes key figures from the federal cabinet and security agencies. Members include:

Wale Edun – Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy

Mohammed Idris Malagi – Minister of Information and National Orientation

Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu – Minister of Budget and Economic Planning

Yusuf Tuggar – Minister of Foreign Affairs

Barr. Nyesom Wike – Minister of the FCT

Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo – Minister of Interior

Hadiza Bala-Usman – Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination

Kayode Egbetokun – Inspector-General of Police

Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi – Director-General, Department of State Services

Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya – Commander, Guards Brigade

Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri – Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, OSGF

Kachollom Daju – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health

Engr. Nadungu Gagare – Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, OSGF (who also serves as Secretary of the Committee)

Committee’s Mandate

The committee is tasked with planning and implementing all activities for the Democracy Day celebration. It also has the authority to co-opt relevant individuals and organisations, document the proceedings for historical records, and undertake any additional assignments necessary to ensure a successful celebration.

As the country looks forward to the 26th edition of Democracy Day, the Federal Government has promised a celebration that will reflect the nation’s democratic journey and reaffirm its commitment to good governance and unity.