Democracy Day: Kogi Governor Urges Nigerians to Rededicate to Democratic Principles
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the principles of democracy, emphasizing the importance of equity, inclusiveness, and the rule of law.
Speaking on the occasion of Democracy Day celebrations on June 12, 2025, Governor Ododo highlighted the significance of June 12 in Nigeria’s history, describing it as a day that symbolizes the triumph of the people’s will over dictatorship.
The governor paid tribute to the pro-democracy heroes, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who played a crucial role in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He also emphasized the importance of youth participation in democracy, urging them to contribute to the success of the democratic process.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a people-oriented democracy, guided by accountability and transparency.
He highlighted the administration’s efforts in building infrastructure, investing in human capital and agriculture, and strengthening security architecture to protect citizens and lift them out of poverty.
The governor also called on traditional rulers, civil society members, political office holders, religious leaders, and public servants to remember that democracy is strengthened not by titles, but by service, and not by rhetoric, but by results in policies, programs, and projects that impact citizens’ lives positively.
In his message, Governor Ododo reaffirmed Kogi State’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Tinubu’s leadership.
He pledged to work tirelessly to protect the people of Kogi State and ensure their rights and freedoms are safeguarded.
Details of the statement:
MESSAGE BY HIS EXCELLENCY, ALHAJI AHMED USMAN ODODO, THE CHIEF SERVANT OF KOGI STATE, ON THE OCCASION OF DEMOCRACY DAY CELEBRATION ON THURSDAY JUNE 12, 2025
1. Today, we celebrate as one people, united in history, in hope, and in purpose to commemorate Democracy Day, a day that forever echoes the courage, conviction, and collective will of the Nigerian people.
2. June 12 stands as a defining chapter in our national consciousness, a day that symbolizes the triumph of the people’s will over dictatorship .
3. It is a solemn reminder that democracy is not gifted, it is earned through the courage of ordinary citizens who dared to demand justice, fairness, and inclusion.
4. This day honours not just the memory of a historic election, but the stiff spirit of Nigerians who chose hope over fear, unity over division, and principle over personal gains.
5. This day reminds us of the historic 1993 presidential election widely acclaimed as the freest and fairest in our nation’s history, which was unjustly annulled, sparking a national awakening that eventually paved the way for the democracy we enjoy today.
6. The sacrifices made by pro-democracy heroes, including our father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, must never be forgotten.
7. In Kogi State, we are not only beneficiaries of that legacy, we are active stewards of it. We remain deeply committed to building a democracy that is participatory . A democracy that delivers, on justice, on opportunity, and on dignity for every citizen through inclusive governance.
8. Democracy is not perfect. But it is powerful, when we listen, when we learn, and when we lead with compassion. Our administration believes that leadership must be people-oriented, guided by accountability and transparency. That is why we are building infrastructure, investing in human capital and agriculture and also overhauling primary healthcare facilities and strengthening security architecture to protect our people and lift them from want and deprivation.
9. As we mark this year’s Democracy Day, let us rededicate ourselves to the principles that sustain equity, inclusiveness, and the rule of law in our nation. Let us deepen our civic engagement, respect our institutions, and nurture the flame of unity that binds the richness and diversity of Kogi State.
10. To our youth, you are not the leaders of tomorrow; you are the true guardians of our democracy today. I enjoin you to participate and contribute to the success of our democracy. This democracy belongs to you, and it is your voice that will shape the future of our state and our country.
11. To our traditional rulers, members of the civil society, political office holders, religious leaders, and public servants, let us remember that democracy is strengthened not by titles, but by service, not by rhetoric, but by results in policies, programmes and projects that impact the lives of our people positively.
12. On this auspicious occasion of this year’s democracy day, may the sacrifices of our heroes past and present, strengthen our resolve to protect our democracy from disruptions and from division as well as from other tendencies that threaten our national interests.
13. Let us rise together in the spirit of nationhood. Let us stand together in the pursuit of progress.
Let us walk together on the path of peace, equity, and sustainable development.
14. We reaffirm our commitment to support policies and programmes of the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
15. As your Chief Servant, I will work day and night to protect our people in every part of the state and our rights and freedom to pursue lawful means of livelihood in any part of the state without fear of intimidation by criminals because that is what our democracy guarantees as Nigerians.
God bless Kogi State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
HE Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo (FCA)
Chief Servant of Kogi State
June 12, 2025
