Democracy Day:‎ NANS seeks improved security, students’ welfare

By Jumoke Olaitan

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to strengthen security and improve the welfare of students across the country.

The association made the call on Friday during a nationwide Democracy Day Walk held simultaneously in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Imo, Kano and Gombe states to mark 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.

Speaking during the event, NANS President, Babatunde Akinteye, said democracy day offered an opportunity to reflect on the gains of democratic rule and the need to safeguard its dividends, particularly security and citizens’ welfare.

Akinteye said the walk attracted students from various tertiary institutions who advocated stronger democratic institutions, improved security and enhanced welfare for students.

He said Nigerian students remained committed to the ideals of democracy and national development, noting that they had historically played significant roles in the country’s democratic evolution.

According to him, all Nigerians must work together to protect and strengthen the nation’s democratic institutions and values.

The NANS president expressed concern over the continued captivity of students abducted in Oyo and Borno states and urged the federal government to intensify efforts to secure their rescue and safe return.

“While we celebrate the nation’s democratic progress, we appeal to the federal government to do everything within its capacity to ensure the rescue and safe return of our students who remain in captivity,” he said.

Akinteye, however, commended security personnel for their sacrifices in maintaining peace and security across the country and urged them to sustain ongoing operations.

He also lauded President Bola Tinubu for institutionalising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day and for sustaining efforts to honour the memory of the late Chief M.K.O Abiola and other pro-democracy heroes, particularly members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

The NANS president said students were active stakeholders in national development, having consistently contributed to major social and political transformations in the country.

“Our responsibility today is to deepen the culture of democratic participation within our institutions, communities and in the choices we make as citizens of Nigeria,” he said.

Akinteye assured students of his administration’s commitment to promoting their welfare and protecting their interests, pledging to continue advocating policies that support education and national development.

He, however, paid tribute to past and present pro-democracy activists whose sacrifices contributed to sustaining democratic governance in spite of political and social challenges.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi