The 2024 Democracy Day Lecture with the theme “25 Years of Enduring Democracy: Prospects for the Future” took place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
In the opening speech by Gorge Akume, the lecture refers to the courage and steadfastness of the Nigerians, despite the challenges they face. The training is never contemplated. The deputy chairman of the event, H.E. AMB Babagana Kingibe, gave a welcome speech regarding Mko Abiola, the known and unknown, those who went into exile, and others who risked their lives for Nigeria to gain democracy. He prayed for their souls.
He also highlights a few points about why democracy is very important by giving us transparency, a free and fair election, the production of five presidential candidates, political stability, and continuity in government for the past 25 years.
He elaborates further on personal freedoms such as freedom of speech, expression, rule of law, strength with democratic institutions, civil liberty, and many more.He concluded by encouraging Nigeria that democracy is a lifelong endeavour and a long process.
We have to make the decision to perfect our nation, even though it is not perfect yet. Still, the best we can give is all we have given, so patience is what we need, not ague nor flight.
Former president H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in his speech, appreciated all those present and pointed out that 18 people signed the letter to end the military rule in Nigeria.
To gain democracy, though the journey has not been easy, from dispute to insecurity and many crises,.
He encouraged that leaders lifestyles must portray what Nigeria stands for, not that the sons of the elites are spraying dollars at parties while society is cold, so that our generation can celebrate thousands of years while they are gone. He concluded by saying that by refusing the level of our diluted religion, together we can form Nigeria, where we can build, transform, and prosper.
The guest speaker, Aminu Bello Masari, former governor of Kastina State, gives us issues we need to treat in Nigeria. Putting effort into the idea and instrumental value of democracy to give people a better life and reduce puberty. • Paying attention to the youth and their mental health because they are a priority, so we create an environment and opportunity for them. • need to ensure adequate and effective governance in local government areas.
Allowing each state to state their needs, aim, and goals.• Politicians should be sensitive to the needs of the people and not themselves because democracy is for the people. He concluded by telling Nigerians that building a nation is not easy, democracy is the best government we need, and the nation is going places.
He was praying for favour and a better Nigeria. Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has delivered the closing address at the In his remarks, the Vice President highlighted President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to democracy.
He described Tinubu as a man who has shown a ferocious penchant and propensity for sacrificing his well-being for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria. The Vice President said that younger Nigerians must be informed of Tinubu’s memories from two decades past, as he is the unsung hero of Nigeria’s democratic growth. “In the fullness of time, I fervently believe that posterity will be kind to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.