By Ambassador Yusuf Tunde Olanrewaju (USELAW)
Chairman, Youth Advancement Initiative (YAI), Osun State Chapter
On behalf of the Youth Advancement Initiative (YAI), Osun State Chapter, I join millions of Nigerians in commemorating this year's Democracy Day, a day set aside to honour the struggles, sacrifices, and resilience of patriotic Nigerians who fought tirelessly for the enthronement and sustenance of democratic governance in our country.
June 12 remains a historic symbol of the collective will of the Nigerian people and a reminder that democracy thrives when citizens actively participate in governance, uphold the rule of law, and demand accountability from leaders at all levels.
As we celebrate this important day, we pay tribute to the heroes and heroines of democracy, particularly the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other pro-democracy activists whose sacrifices laid the foundation for the democratic freedoms we enjoy today.
While acknowledging the progress recorded since the return to democratic rule, we also recognize the need for greater efforts in addressing the challenges confronting our nation, including youth unemployment, insecurity, economic hardship, inadequate infrastructure, and social inequality. Democracy must continually translate into improved living standards and expanded opportunities for all citizens, especially young people who constitute the majority of Nigeria's population.
As Osun State prepares for the forthcoming Governorship Election and as Nigeria gradually approaches the 2027 General Elections, I call on all political actors, parties, supporters, stakeholders, and the electorate to embrace peaceful engagement, issue-based campaigns, tolerance, and respect for democratic principles.
Political competition should never be viewed as a battle among enemies but as a contest of ideas aimed at advancing the welfare of the people. Violence, hate speech, voter intimidation, misinformation, and actions capable of threatening public peace must be avoided by all concerned.
I particularly urge the youths of Osun State and Nigeria at large not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence, thuggery, or electoral malpractice. Instead, young people should position themselves as ambassadors of peace, democratic values, civic responsibility, and national development.
Furthermore, I call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organizations, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to continue playing their respective roles in ensuring free, fair, credible, and peaceful electoral processes.
As citizens, let us use this Democracy Day celebration to renew our commitment to national unity, responsible leadership, active citizenship, and the collective pursuit of a prosperous Nigeria.
Together, we can strengthen our democracy, protect our democratic institutions, and build a nation where justice, equity, peace, and development flourish for present and future generations.
Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria.
*Signed:*
*Ambassador Yusuf Tunde Olanrewaju (USELAW)*
Chairman
Youth Advancement Initiative (YAI), Osun State Chapter
Post a Comment