The Ogun State Government on Wednesday celebrated the 2024 June 12 Democracy Day with a commemorative lecture which held amidst funfair in Abeokuta, the state capital.
The lecture was preceded by the annual prayer session organised by the state government for the family of the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola which held at Abiola’s family house at Oja Agbo in the Gbagura Quarters of Abeokuta.
In attendance were top government functionaries led by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, as well as the Senator representing Ogun Central District, Salisu Shuaib.
Prior to Wednesday’s celebration, the state’s Ministry of Housing had, in accordance with the directive of Governor Dapo Abiodun given the Abiola’s family house a face-lift in preparation for the celebration.
Speaking at the annual prayer session, the Deputy Governor who stood in for Governor Abiodun said it was a thing of immense pleasure that Nigerians are celebrating 25 years of unbroken democracy on a foundation laid by the late MKO Abiola.
The Deputy Governor further assured that the Dapo Abiodun-led administration will continue to honour the legacy of the Abiola, particularly as a prominent son of the state while pledging not to relent in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
Responding on behalf of the late Abiola’s family, Alhaji Ameen Abiola appreciated all Nigerians who troop to the family house annually to remember the late martyr of Democracy in Nigeria, MKO Abiola.
He specially commended the state government for its support for the family and for the recent renovation of the family house.
Alhaji Ameen also hailed the federal government for declaring June 12 as democracy and in honour of the late Abiola, saying the gesture goes a long way in protecting the legacies he left behind.
Meanwhile, there was mammoth crowd at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, venue of the lecture themed: “June 12 Defining Moment in The Democratic Development in Nigeria”.
Security operatives at the event had a huge task controlling the people present at the event to celebrate the day.
LEADERSHIP reports that security operatives at the venue were overwhelmed as they treated the people and journalists with disdain, preventing many of them from gaining entry into the hall.
