[Op-ed] June 12, 2020: For Kwara, a memorial of hope and triumph
By: Dr Seyi Adigun.
The commemoration of today (Friday) is a vital symbolism in the life of our nation. It is a symbolism of the dogged and undying spirit of our peoples; a reflection of our boundless appetite for survival in the face of stringent situations.
Today’s celebration is a memorial of hope and triumph. We must remember the story of June 12, 1993 and all the metaphors embedded in it. We must remember the ultimate sacrifices of hundreds of unnamed Nigerians. We must remember the unforgettable face of that struggle, M.K.O Abiola and his mantra of hope.
Instructively, it is the APC government of President Muhammadu Buhari that has taken the courageous step to acknowledge the significance of this date as a watershed in our history. This is a clear pointer to the progressive acculturation of APC and the current administration.
In Kwara State, today’s Democracy Day celebration is even more significant. Just about one year ago, our people insisted on a paradigm shift in governance through the O To Ge revolution. Today, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who bore the flagship of that revolutionary movement is redefining the landscape with impactful citizens-based strides in all facets.
The Kwara State administration, under the helmsmanship of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, has displayed commendable tenacity in pursuing desired multisectoral redemptive processes over the past 12 months. The interventions and transformational template being pursued have not been the usual playing-to-the-gallery ostentatious shenanigans, nor have they been pedestal; they have been deliberate, well-paced, thoughtful and with impressive attention to details. Candid, bent over their work, each layer and each sector is being rejigged with only one vision in mind – functionality! Things must work – and this is an important foregrounding for an elaborate redemptive pursuit in governance.
On this historic and memorable June 12, as we celebrate Nigeria’s democratic experience, we must acknowledge our unique achievements in Kwara and celebrate the citizens of this state. Today, Kwarans are among the most sophisticated and enlightened civil populace in Nigeria.
It is therefore not out of place that Kwara’s government under TEAM AA is one of the most highly rated in Nigeria by several independent national and global development indices assessors.
Whilst acknowledging the challenges ahead, we must be proud of the distance we have covered in the journey of success in so short a time.
Happy Democracy Day celebrations!
God bless Nigeria, God bless Kwara State.
May AA succeed.
Dr. Seyi Adigun
(Omo Alalukawani)
Ajasse Ward 2
Irepodun Local Government.
