Kehinde Ogunyale
In a bid to reaffirm the contributions of late martyr, Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, the National Association of Ogun State Students Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Chapter, has held a memorial lecture to educate students on the need to sustain democratic development.
The event held at the institution’s Ramotu Babalakin Auditorium, gathered students from different departments under different associations; Egba, Remo, Ijebu and Yewa.
Addressing students at the lecture, the chapter president, Ogunderu Sodiq, said the late martyr, in a convincing victory of the annulled June 12,1993 election, paved way for a stronger democratic system in Nigeria.
He said, "No doubt, the great significance of June 12,1933 elections when the late iconic patriot Chief MKO Abiola recorded a convincing victory over his counterparts and its eventual annulment by the then Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babaginda birthed the democracy we have found ourselves in today.
"The need for this educating programme was birthed out of the consciousness of myself and my fellow executives to not only sustain the legacy attached to our mandate but to bring and firmly reestablish the consciousness of students and fellow student leaders to the dire need of ensuring that posterity does not forget the democratic labours of our iconic democracy martyr and other who were made sacrificial lambs for the reign of democracy in the nation."
Similarly the Vice President, Damilola Kushimo, added saying, "Actually, without even revisiting the legacy of this iconic democracy-martyr , students are beginning to feel the sense of responsibility and leadership. Though, MKO was made the sacrificial lamb for the democracy we are operating today, and the need sustain and,
I’m convinced that only students, youths with such qualities this iconic democracy boasted of can help sustain and pass this legacy across to coming generation.
"Revisiting the struggle will help prospective ‘leaders of tomorrow’ youths to effectively uphold and solidify this historic legacy."
Meanwhile, Speaking on the topic ‘Role of Students in sustaining Democratic and National Development’, Prof. Kolawole Adebayo, noted that the students contributes to the effective democratic system of the country stressing that if they act in unity, their voices would be heard.
Adebayo, who recalled past experiences of how student agitations had overruled government laws, charged student leaders to promote right practices and stand by it at all times.
Similarly, Barrister Solomon Osho, represented by Prince Adebayo Gbadegbo, added that the Youths are great asset to the nation’s development as they carry the strengths to influence decisions in their local society.
However, the event was well greeted with the presence of Union leaders, both past and present, Management representatives and sister associations.
