The Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, will chair the 32nd anniversary celebration of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), in a commemorative event set to honour key figures and institutions in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
According to a statement on Wednesday, the event will also feature the public presentation of a memoir by NADECO’s General Secretary, Ayo Opadokun, as well as the presentation of awards to individuals and organisations recognised for their roles in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.
The event is scheduled to hold on May 20 at the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, by 11am. It is being organised to mark the formation of NADECO, a coalition that played a central role in the agitation for the actualisation of the June 12, 1993 presidential mandate and the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria.
Former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), is expected to serve as chief launcher of the memoir, while the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, will be the Royal Father of the Day.
Opadokun, in the statement, said his memoir titled ‘The NADECO Story’ documents the history, ideology, struggles, and milestones of the coalition.
Describing the anniversary as a moment of reflection and recognition, he said the event celebrates “resilience and our dignity as a people”.
“My generation, the present generation and coming generations must eternally uphold NADECO and these heroes as a reference point for resistance to tyranny,” he said.
He added: “People who fail to venerate their heroes will wallow in servitude. We are doing this at this moment, but everyone knows it is long overdue.
“All those personalities and institutions that played a role to plant, water and grow Nigeria’s tree of democracy must not stay dead as unsung heroes or continue to live as unsung heroes.
“They deserve recognition and appreciation. Thankfully, 30 years of this surviving democracy is a testimony that their labours have not been in vain, this being the longest-lasting Republic that this country has ever known. We need to celebrate these heroes and heroines.”
Opadokun explained that the anniversary will also serve as a platform to honour individuals and institutions that contributed to Nigeria’s democratic struggle during the military era between 1993 and 1996.
Among those to be recognised are six newspaper organisations, journalists, human rights activists, civil society organisations, academics, professionals, business leaders, retired military officers, and the 54 individuals who signed NADECO’s inaugural communiqué in May 1994, including President Bola Tinubu.
Posthumous awards will also be conferred on late MKO Abiola and his wife, Kudirat Abiola, alongside NADECO leaders such as Adekunle Ajasin, Abraham Adesanya, and Anthony Enahoro.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Opadokun said the struggle remains relevant despite present-day challenges.
“No one has said our country has reached the El-Dorado. But we threw everything into the struggle for June 12 and democracy because any civilian regime will always be better than the most benevolent military dictatorship. Nigeria is a work in progress,” he said.
“Today may appear cloudy, but tomorrow looks bright. And as sure as the sun shines in the morning, Nigeria will reach the Promised Land.”
Boluwatife Enome
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