Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, is set to chair the 32nd anniversary celebration of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), an event aimed at honouring key figures and institutions that played significant roles in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
The commemorative programme would also feature the public presentation of a memoir authored by NADECO’s General Secretary, Ayo Opadokun, alongside awards recognising individuals and organisations involved in the campaign for democratic governance in Nigeria.
The event is scheduled to hold on May 20 at the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, beginning at 11am.
Organisers said the gathering is intended to mark the formation of NADECO, the coalition that played a pivotal role in the agitation for the actualisation of the June 12, 1993 presidential mandate and the eventual return to democratic rule.
Former Minister of Defence, retired General Theophilus Danjuma, is expected to serve as the chief launcher of the memoir, while the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, would serve as the Royal Father of the Day.
In a statement, Opadokun described his memoir, titled “The NADECO Story,” as a documentation of the coalition’s history, ideology, struggles, and milestones.
He said the anniversary represents a moment of reflection and recognition, stressing that it is meant to honour resilience and the dignity of those who contributed to the democratic struggle.
“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 that recognition of democratic activists and institutions was long overdue, arguing that many contributors had remained unsung despite their sacrifices.
“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,” he stated.
Opadokun explained that the event would also recognise journalists, 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 honours are also expected to be awarded to late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola and his wife, Kudirat Abiola, as well as other NADECO figures such as Adekunle Ajasin, Abraham Adesanya, and Anthony Enahoro.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Opadokun noted that while challenges remain, the struggle for democracy has yielded significant progress.
“No one has said our country has reached the El-Dorado, Nigeria is a work in progress,” he said.
He expressed optimism about the country’s future, insisting that despite present difficulties, “tomorrow looks bright” for Nigeria’s democratic system.
