At 27 Years of Democracy, Nigeria Government Must Deliver Tangible Benefits to Citizens – Chief Olugbemi Femi
By Our Correspondent
ABUJA — The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Democracy Newsline Newspaper, Chief Olugbemi Femi, has called on political parties to respect their constitutions and deepen internal democracy, saying Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democracy must now translate to food, jobs, security and infrastructure for the people.
Chief Femi made the call on Wednesday, 19th August 2026, at the 16th Public Lecture and Induction Ceremony of Democracy Newsline Newspaper held at the Banquet Hall, National Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.
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The event, themed “Economic Reform and Sustainable Development in a Democracy: The Nigeria Experience,” drew top government officials, diplomats, traditional rulers, security chiefs, and civil society leaders.
In his address, Chief Femi said the theme speaks directly to Nigeria’s current realities.
“Sustainable development cannot happen in chaos. It requires stable institutions, sound policy, and the political will to take difficult but necessary decisions. It requires a democracy that delivers tangible benefits to the people — food on the table, jobs for our youth, security for our families, and infrastructure for our communities,” he stated.
He urged political parties to “play by the rules” and respect their own constitutions instead of running to the courts every time to determine the way forward.
Chief Femi, on behalf of Democracy Newsline Newspaper commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the courage to confront structural challenges in the economy.
“Mr. President, your administration has shown courage in confronting the structural challenges of our economy. The reforms being implemented, though tough, are necessary resets to reposition Nigeria for investment, productivity and long-term growth. We commend your commitment to fiscal discipline, infrastructure development, and social welfare. We urge you to stay the course, and to ensure that the gains of these reforms reach the grassroots,” he said.
He also lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, under Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, for restoring confidence in the electoral process. He cited the peaceful, orderly and transparent conduct of the Osun State Governorship Election held on 15th August 2026, alongside recent Anambra and Ekiti Governorship elections and various bye-elections.
“The Osun election was peaceful, orderly, and transparent. It is proof that when institutions work, democracy thrives. We salute you and your team,” he added.
The Publisher further commended the Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence, DSS and other security agencies for ensuring the peaceful conduct of the Osun election through diligent planning and professionalism.
Chief Femi said the induction of distinguished Nigerians into the Good Governance Hall of Fame was to recognize men and women who have delivered service with integrity, transparency and impact.
“From rural infrastructure to public health, from security to legislative representation, your work proves that good governance is not a slogan — it is possible. To you, our honourees: wear this honour with humility, and let it spur you to do even more for our people,” he told the inductees.
Dignitaries at the event included Chief (Mrs) Moji Makanjuola, Chairperson of the Day and veteran broadcaster; Mukadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris, FCA, Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Keynote Speaker; HRH Akogun Isiaq Ajibola Royal Father and Patron. Those inducted included Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, Professor Olanrewaju Sulaiman Abubakar, DG NILDS, Professor Natufe Igho, PG Okpe Development Union worldwide, Senator Sunday Karimi, Hon Salman Idris etc
Concluding, Chief Femi said Democracy Newsline Newspaper will continue to bridge the gap between government and the governed by reporting truthfully, criticizing constructively and celebrating excellence consistently.
“The Nigeria Experience tells us that democracy is a journey. Economic reform is a journey. Sustainable development is a journey. But with the right leadership, strong institutions, and an engaged citizenry, we will get to our destination,” he said.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 22ND AUGUST, 2026)
