As Nigeria commemorates another milestone in her democratic journey, Ambassador Oluwayomi Oluwapelumi, an international journalist, social advocate, and President of Societal Concerns Organization, has called on citizens across the nation to embrace unity, civic responsibility, and active participation in nation-building.
In her Democracy Day message titled “On the Dawn of a New Democratic Era,” she emphasized that democracy must transcend electoral rituals and be reflected in the values of justice, accountability, and inclusive governance that impact everyday lives.
“This is a time to reflect, not just on how far we’ve come, but on how much farther we must go,” she said. “Our democracy must go beyond the ballot; it must be seen in our streets, heard in our conversations, and felt in our communities.”
She urged Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious, and political divides, and to commit to collective progress. According to her, democracy should be sustained not only by institutions but also by informed and determined citizens.
“May this new democratic phase rekindle our hope, challenge our indifference, and empower us to be bold participants in the destiny we desire,” Oluwapelumi said.
Ambassador Oluwapelumi, known for her unwavering commitment to societal development, also reiterated that democracy is a shared trust that belongs to every Nigerian—young and old, rich and poor.
She concluded her message with a stirring call to action:
“Democracy thrives not in silence, but in the voices of a people who refuse to give up. Let us be those people. Let us be that generation.”
