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| Governor Dapo Abiodun |
The celebration started with a prayer session at the family house of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Late Chief MKO Abiola, at Gbagura, Abeokuta.
Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, thanked the family of Chief Abiola and the people of the state for the celebration of June 12.
He promised that the state will continue to recognise what Chief Abiola lived for, while he assured the citizens that his administration would consolidate on the legacies and virtues of Chief Abiola by ensuring good governance at all times.
Speaking on behalf of Abiola's family, Alhaji Rahman Abiola, thanked the state government for the honour done to the family by celebrating their son every year.
He said Abiola's family was happy with the national recognition of June 12, which Late Chief Abiola stood for.
After the prayer session, the Deputy Governor and her entourage moved to the MKO Abiola stadium for continuation of the activities lined up for the day.
At the stadium, various groups, associations, students, traders, artisans and unions, with various attires took part in the March past, while the deputy governor took the salute.
Various cultural troops also entertained guests at the occasion, while Human Rights and Civil Society Activists took turn to deliver goodwill messages in honour of Chief Abiola.
According to Mr. Wale Oshun, an activist, Chief Abiola sacrificed his life for the attainment of democracy in Nigeria, and therefore, Nigeria owed Ogun State appreciation.
He admonished those in power to return Nigeria to full federalism, and urged Prince Dapo Abiodun to keep the flag flying.
Another activist, Mr. Odion Akhaine, said Abiola's victory signified freedom for the people, and triumph of resistance and resilience.
He therefore called on Ogun State government to document the history of June 12.
The former chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council, Mrs. Funke Fadugba, said June 12 is alive and signifies justice and equity.
She charged the politicians to fight poverty, which Chief Abiola fought while alive.
In an address delivered on his behalf by the deputy governor, Prince Abiodun urged the citizens to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation.
He advised the people to be patriotic and united, as this is a great honour that could be bestowed on Chief Abiola.
It would be recalled that President Buhari had signed into law, June 12, as public holiday and Democracy Day, to replace May 29, which was hitherto celebrated as Democracy Day, in honour of Late Chief MKO Abiola.
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