Ekiti State Technical Advisor Engr. Olabode Adetunji has lauded President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji for their “unwavering democratic stewardship” during Nigeria’s 25th Democracy Day celebrations. Adetunji, who oversees Local Government Project Monitoring and Evaluation, singled out President Tinubu’s national address as “a powerful tribute to past sacrifices while mapping Nigeria’s equitable future,” aligning with Governor Oyebanji’s grassroots-focused governance in Ekiti State.
Referring to his 2024 landmark Democracy Day speech, President Tinubu honoured fallen heroes including MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, and Shehu Yar’Adua as “the seeds of today’s freedom,” while linking current economic reforms to Abiola’s “Farewell to Poverty” manifesto. Acknowledging “inevitable hardship” from policies like subsidy removal, Tinubu framed them as “necessary repairs” for sustainable growth. He highlighted his administration’s preference for dialogue, exemplified by minimum wage negotiations with labour unions, declaring: “We chose cooperation over conflict.”
Adetunji urged Nigerians to treat democracy as a “living project,” stressing that “vigilant citizenship – protecting institutions and rejecting apathy – is non-negotiable.” He endorsed Tinubu’s connection between civic engagement and economic dignity, warning that “while despotism’s shadow fades, its lessons must endure.” The engineer also noted Ekiti’s alignment with national priorities, citing Governor Oyebanji’s accelerated infrastructure projects and youth welfare programmes mirroring Tinubu’s child protection agenda.
Both leaders candidly addressed ongoing challenges, with Tinubu admitting reforms had “occasioned hardship” and pledging to “listen to the people.” This comes amid sustained pressure from labour groups demanding inflation-responsive wages – a critical test for Tinubu’s “cooperation over conflict” doctrine.
Concluding with a blend of caution and optimism, Adetunji echoed Tinubu’s description of democracy as “no silver platter,” urging Nigerians to “guard this precious jewel with unwavering commitment.” He cited Nigeria’s journey from military rule to Africa’s largest democracy as proof that “collective resolve can build societies where liberty and dignity prevail.”
