The Federal Government has announced its commitment to support a documentary that will chronicle Nigeria’s 25 years of unbroken democracy.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the pledge while receiving the executive members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Abuja on Friday.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Press, Public Relations and Protocol of the ministry, Suleiman Haruna.
PUNCH Online reports that Nigeria transitioned from military to civilian rule in 1999.
Idris hailed the proposed documentary, an initiative by IPAC, as a vital account of the country’s democratic journey over the past quarter-century.
The documentary aims to celebrate Nigeria’s achievements, address challenges faced, and highlight the lessons learned during this period.
“It pleases me to acknowledge the untiring efforts of IPAC and its leadership in fostering democracy, and in this regard, through the medium of film which will serve as a long-lasting historical record in honouring our nation’s political heroes, and the showcasing of our democratic credentials.
“To this end, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, is willing to support this unique documentary,” said Idris.
He further expressed gratitude to IPAC for its contributions to democratic development, stating the role of political parties in fostering unity and national progress.
The minister also reinforced the government’s stance on healthy political competition and collaboration, regardless of party affiliations, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
He stressed that while political competition is essential during elections, it is equally important for parties to come together afterwards to build the nation.
The minister noted, “Political parties are the foundation of democracy; and while competition during elections is natural, we must come together afterwards to build our nation.
“President Bola Tinubu, being a true democrat, values healthy competition but also prioritises unity and national progress.
“The government of the president is in support of healthy political competition, as democracy thrives on constructive opposition and national interest-driven collaboration irrespective of party affiliations,” Idris posited.
In response, the National Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, outlined that the documentary would not only highlight progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social cohesion, but also serve as an educational tool for the younger generation.
The film, aimed particularly at Gen Z, will feature prominent Nollywood actors and will be produced to meet global production standards.
“The documentary, in addition to being a historical marker, targets the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, as the film will serve as an educational resource and a unifying narrative of Nigeria’s democratic evolution. It will feature some of Nollywood’s finest actors and will be produced with state-of-the-art equipment, matching global standards of quality and impact,” Dantalle said.
The IPAC delegation included Dipo Olayokun, Deputy National Chairman, Dan Nwayanwu, Council Member, and Maxwell Mabudem, National Secretary, among other executives.