June 12: Tinubu Set For Nationwide Broadcast, NASS Address

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to address a joint session of the National Assembly and deliver a nationwide broadcast on June 12 as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day celebration.

The announcement was made in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, during the inauguration of an inter-ministerial committee tasked with coordinating events for the national observance. The development was disclosed in an official statement issued by the SGF’s media office.

Speaking at the inauguration held at the Shehu Shagari Complex, Akume urged members of the committee to commence preparations immediately, noting that only a short period remained before the anniversary. He outlined a series of activities scheduled to commemorate the occasion, beginning with a World Press Conference on June 4.

According to the schedule, special Juma’at prayers will be observed on June 5, followed by an inter-denominational church service on June 7. A Democracy Day public lecture is expected to hold on June 9, while programmes dedicated to youths and women are slated for June 10.

The celebrations will culminate on June 12 with President Tinubu’s address to lawmakers, a nationwide broadcast, and a Democracy Day Gala Night.

Akume stated that the Federal Government had taken into consideration prevailing economic realities and its commitment to prudent management of public resources, stressing that this year’s activities would be conducted on a modest scale.

He also paid tribute to the heroes of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, particularly the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, whose sacrifice, he said, laid the foundation for the country’s present democratic system.

The SGF noted that the annual observance provides an opportunity to honour individuals who fought for democratic governance while reflecting on the nation’s progress since the restoration of civilian rule. He added that the event would also serve as a platform for the administration to highlight achievements in democratic consolidation, institutional strengthening, and ongoing reforms aimed at national development.

Akume will chair the inter-ministerial committee, which comprises key government officials, including ministers overseeing information, interior, the Federal Capital Territory, health, foreign affairs, finance, defence, and budget and economic planning. Other members include the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, presidential aides, and senior civil servants.

The committee has been mandated to coordinate, organise, and execute all approved Democracy Day programmes, ensure proper documentation of the events, and engage relevant stakeholders where necessary. Akume further directed subcommittee secretaries to promptly submit their budgets to facilitate seamless implementation of the planned activities.