In commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election, Governor Ademola Adeleke urged citizens of Osun state to uphold democratic values.
Speaking during the ceremony held at Adolak Events Centre, Osogbo, Governor Adeleke who was represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi described June 12 as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, emphasizing its enduring symbolism of the people’s collective will for justice, freedom, and good governance.
The governor also commended the former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognizing June 12 as Democracy Day, describing the move as “a corrective step that restored dignity to the memory of Chief Abiola and the aspirations of Nigerians.”
Highlighting achievements of his administration under the Five-Point Development Agenda, Adeleke said his government had made strides in infrastructure, healthcare, and socio-economic development. These include provision of potable water across all 332 wards, construction and rehabilitation of roads, rural electrification projects, and the Imole Surgical and Medical Outreach, which has benefited over 18,000 people.
He, however disclosed that over 3,332 indigenes have been enrolled under the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS), while farmers have received fertilizer subsidies to boost food production. Additionally, Adeleke said the government had consistently paid workers’ salaries and cleared part of the salary arrears inherited from the previous administration.
His words, “Today, we celebrate the 32nd anniversary of that historic day, now rightly enshrined as Democracy Day, symbolising the collective will of our people for freedom, justice, and democratic governance. As we commemorate June 12, we honour the sacrifices of our heroes who fought tirelessly for the democratic freedoms we now enjoy. We also mark the anniversaries of our natin’s transition to democracy and the relentless struggles of our forebears.
“We remember with deep respect and admiration, the late business mogul and philanthropist, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, GCFR, whose courage and conviction inspired a nation. He was widely acclaimed and later officially recognized as the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election which was considered the freest, fairest, and most peaceful in Nigeria’s history. Unfortunately, that mandate was unjustly annulled by the then military regime of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida on June 23, 1993.
“Chief Abiola paid the ultimate price in the struggle to reclaim his stolen mandate. After declaring himself winner in what is now known as the Epetedo Declaration, he was detained and charged with treason. His tragic death became a rallying point, awakening in Nigerians a renewed patriotic consciousness to defend our democratic rights.
” At this juncture, I must commend former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for his courage and patriotism in officially recognizing June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day. That singular act corrected a grave historical injustice and restored dignity to the memory of Chief M.K.O. Abiola and the democratic aspirations of Nigerians.
“As we celebrate 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule and 32 years since the June 12 election, today, we reflect on how far we have come and we recommit ourselves to deepening democracy, justice, accountability, transparency, and equality. Our administration stands firmly committed to promoting these values. We are building a strong, resilient, and inclusive democratic governance that delivers sustainable, trans-generational benefits to the people of Osun State.
“As part of our Five-Point Development Agenda, we have made significant progress in strengthening democratic structures and improving the lives of our people. On Infrastructure and Development, we have provided potable borehole water in all 332 electoral wards across the state. Numerous roads have been constructed and rehabilitated. We have also implemented rural electrification projects by supplying transformers and electrical materials to underserved communities.
“On Healthcare the Imole Surgical and Medical Outreach has served over 18,000 beneficiaries. Through the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS), over 3,332 indigenes have been enrolled, improving access to quality healthcare. On Socio-Economic Development, we have ensured the regular payment of workers’ salaries, including settling half of the outstanding salary arrears inherited from the previous administration. We have supported farmers with fertilizer subsidies and other inputs to boost food production and ensure food security. This administration is strengthening our institutions, enhancing transparency, and empowering citizens to participate meaningfully in democratic processes.
“We are however, not unaware of the challenges that persist in terms of economic hardship, social inequality, and divisive tendencies threaten our democracy but we remain resilient and committed to overcoming them. Moving forward, we must prioritize the welfare of all citizens, especially civil servants. We must continue to create job opportunities, expand infrastructure development, and guarantee access to quality education and healthcare.
” Let us therefore, use this occasion to renew our commitment to democracy and the values that bind us together. Let us work hand in hand to build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and generations yet unborn. Let us defend our democracy and uphold the principles of justice, equality, and freedom.” He concluded
