The Federal Government has outlined a four-day series of activities to mark the 2018 Democracy Day, from May 25 to May 29.
Lawrence Ojabo, Director Press, Office of the Secretary to the
Government of the Federation (OSGF) made the announcement in a statement
on Thursday in Abuja.
He said that the celebration would begin with the Friday (Juma’at)
Prayers at the National Mosque, Central Business District, Abuja, on May
25.
He noted that the theme for this year’s celebration is: “Peace Building and Good Governance for Sustainable Development”
“Prayers will be offered for the nation and its leadership at various levels tomorrow (Friday) at the National Mosque.
“Similar prayers are to hold at the National Worship (Ecumenical) Centre, Central Business District, Abuja, on Sunday, May 27.
“Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega will be the Guest Lecturer at
this year’s Democracy Day Lecture on Monday, May 28 at 10.00a.m at the
International Conference Centre, Abuja.”
Mr Ojabo said all the events are expected to draw participation
from all arms and tiers of government, including past Presidents, Heads
of State and traditional rulers.
Others are the Diplomatic Community and Non-State Actors, members
of the National Assembly, Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Heads of
Agencies, Extra-Ministerial Departments and Agencies of Government,
Captains of Industries, and the General Public.
He noted that Nigeria’s Democracy Day is held on May 29 every year
to commemorate the return of democratic governance in 1999 after long
years of military rule in Nigeria.
He added that the day offers a unique opportunity to celebrate
giant strides as a nation as well as abilities as a people to triumph
over daunting challenges in nation-building.
“It also presents an auspicious opportunity to celebrate the
return and observance of fundamental human rights with the citizens
having the sole responsibility of electing their leaders through
democratic processes at all tiers of government.
“On democracy day, Nigerians celebrate freedom, leadership
based on the will of the people, fundamental human rights and
accelerated development,” he said.
(NAN)