Published By Olumide Donald on Thursday June 12, 2025
As Nigeria marks yet another Democracy Day on June 12, the Christian Youth Directorate (GMT) has called on Nigerians, particularly the youth, to reflect deeply on the hard- fought struggle that restored civilian rule to the country and to honour the sacrifices of those who paid the price for democratic governance.
In a special message to commemorate the occasion, GMT , a national faith – based youth advocacy group committed to good governance , value- based leadership, and civic encage, described June 12, not merely as a date on the calendar, but as a ” monumental symbol of resilience, sacrifice, and the unyielding hope of the Nigerian people.”
The group specifically paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election,which was annulled by the then military regime. Chief Abiola’s unflinching commitment to reclaiming his mandate cost him his life, but solidified his place in Nigerian history as a matyr of democracy.
The GMT also acknowledged the gallant and courageous efforts of civil society activists, journalists, religious leaders,students, and political actors who mobilized protest,endured arrests, and risked their lives to challenge military authoritarianism. Foremost among these heroes, the group noted, were members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a pro- democracy platform that championed the return to civilian rule in the 1990s.
In particular, the Christian Youth Directorate (GMT) singled out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is himself a prominent veteran of the NADECO movement, for his fearless activism during the military era and his unwavering commitment to Democratic ideals.
According to the statement signed by the GMT Christian Youth Directorate Coordinator, Rev.Pastor Gbenga Aguda, President Tinubu was ” one of the few Nigerians who stood firm, went into exile, mobilized international support, and never wavered in his advocacy for restoration of civil rule”.
The statement read in part:
”June 12 is a story of courage. it is a story of sacrifice.And today,we pay tribute to all who stood in the gap for Nigeria’s freedom, from Chief MKO Abiola to our current President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and many unsung heroes.
The Christian Youth Directorate (GMT) encourages all Nigerians, especially our youth, to.learn from the doggedness and patriotic fire of the NADECO generation. Democracy was not handed to us freely. It was fought for.it was bled for. And it must be guarded jealously.”
The statement further called on Nigerians to” not only honour the past” but to also hold leaders accountable, participate actively in governance , and defend the democratic space from threats such as political apathy, electoral violence, and corruption.
While commemorating the historical significance of June 12, the GMT also emphasized the importance of faith,national unity, and inter- generational dialogue. The group urged Nigerian Christians and the entire citizenry to commit the country to prayers, asking God for peace,progress,and divine guidance for the leaders if the nation.
”As we remember our heroes, let us also look to the future with hope.Let us build bridges across ethnic, religious, and political lined. Let us become the generation that doesn’t forget its past but rather, Learns from it to shape a better future.”
The GMT concluded its Democracy Day message by restating its resolve to continue engaging young people in the ideals of democracy, integrity, and responsible citizenship.
”Democracy is not perfect,but it is the best hope for a just, Free, and prosperous Nigeria. We owe it to our founding fathers, our heroes, and the future generations to protect and nurture it.”
As Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day, the message from the Christian Youth Directorate is clear; Never forget the price of freedom.Honour the past and lastly Shape the Future.
Ayobo/IpajaTV.com 