Dear Lagos,
Today, June 12, our Democracy Day is not just a commemoration of an annulled election; it is a celebration of the resilience of our people and a reminder of the price paid by many to safeguard the right of every Nigerian to choose their leaders freely. It is a solemn day of reflection, a day to honour the courage of those who stood on the frontlines of the struggle, and a day to reaffirm our collective commitment to the principles of good governance.
As we remember the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in our nation’s history, we must also acknowledge the sacrifices of the true heroes of that era, men and women who dared to challenge the forces of oppression and stood firm in defence of democratic values.
Among these heroes is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a courageous figure whose contributions during the pro-democracy struggle cannot be forgotten. His unwavering stand in the face of military repression and his sustained advocacy for the return of civilian rule are legacies that continue to inspire generations.
As we commemorate this day, we salute Mr. President for his role in securing the democracy we all enjoy today.
As a proud Lagosian, former governorship candidate, and now a committed member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I stand today not just to celebrate our progress, but to reiterate my commitment to the renewed hope agenda and the efforts of the president to birth the Nigeria of our collective aspiration.
Now, more than ever, we must move beyond the politics of division and unite in building a stronger, more inclusive nation, one where the dreams of the average citizen are not only valid but achievable. The task of building this future lies in our hands, and we must not relent.
On this Democracy Day, let us recommit ourselves to the ideals of freedom, unity, accountability, and people-centered governance. Let us honour the sacrifices of our past heroes by playing our part in building a future worthy of their struggle.
God bless Lagos State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
God bless our democracy.
Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR)
Lead Visioner, Lagos4Lagos Movement
