Democracy Day: Dr. Raymond Edoh congratulates Nigerians, urges leaders on focused leadership





The United Nations Habitat Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Raymond Edoh has called on Nigerian leaders to imbibe result-oriented driven leadership for a high-breed good governance that would metamorphize into all-inclusive dividends of democracy in its holistic context for its citizenry.


The young global youth icon and international activist while on an economy and infrastructural wide tour in North America make the statement today 12th June, 2023 urging the Nigerian youth to continue believing in Nigeria and her leaders pointing out that the country is a blessed nation that needs total commitment to be able to harness and explore its potentials.

According to the letter he signed electronically and made available to journalists by his media aide, Emmanuel Daudu,
"Nigerian Democracy Day is a public holiday in Nigeria that is celebrated annually on June 12th. The holiday commemorates the restoration of democracy in Nigeria, which occurred on June 12, 1993, when the country held its first presidential election since the military coup of 1983.

"The election was widely considered to be free and fair, with a record turnout of voters. The results of the election showed that Moshood Abiola, a wealthy businessman, and philanthropist, had won the presidential election. However, the military government at the time annulled the election results, leading to widespread protests and political unrest.

"After years of struggle by pro-democracy activists and international pressure, Nigeria finally returned to democratic rule in 1999. In recognition of the significance of June 12th in Nigeria's democratic history, the country's government declared it as Democracy Day in 2018 and it has been celebrated as a national holiday since then.


Edoh, while outlining major issues affecting Nigeria, he has this to say.
"As Africa’s most populous country, the largest economy, and most notable democracy, Nigeria is a bellwether for the continent. A weakening economy, rising insecurity, and violent conflicts threaten progress made in its democratic development. Amid deepening distrust in government and institutions, Nigeria has significant work to do in improving national, state, and local security and governance.

"Nigeria’s federal system gives governors great responsibilities in addressing the issues driving the country’s multiple conflicts, including farmer-herder violence, deepening regional divides, armed banditry and the Boko Haram insurgency, corruption, youth exclusiveness in governance, absence of accountability and transparency in governance amongst many other issues. The federal government should bring together state governors, national policymakers, and civic leaders to design and implement inclusive policies that mitigate violence and strengthen community-oriented security. Sure, this will Institute engagements and a variety of influential figures, empowering citizens and using its expertise and convening power to inform achievable and implementable policies.






Giving measures as to what Nigerian leaders should look out for, Edoh said, Nigeria, like any other nation, can only progress and thrive if it is united and all its resources are optimally utilized for the benefit of its citizens.

"It is essential for the government to prioritize the health, safety, and prosperity of its people as an urgent concern. This can be achieved by investing in public health infrastructure, providing access to quality education and healthcare, creating job opportunities, and promoting economic growth.

"It is also important for the government to address issues of corruption and mismanagement of public resources, as these can hinder progress and development. By ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, the government can build trust with its citizens and promote a sense of unity and common purpose.

"Overall, Nigeria has the potential to be a great nation, but it can only achieve this by working towards unity and optimizing its resources for the benefit of its people regardless of political party, social strata, religious differences, and others.

"Nigeria and Nigerians should grow far beyond these and build a nation they all can be proud of", he added.


Edoh also tasked the youths to continue hoping and believing in the nation's prospects stressing that in a no-distance time, the overdue growth in the economy that the youths are yearning for will come to a reality.