By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Ogun State, Alhaji Olaniyi Okewole, has urged Nigerians to embrace community service and corporate social responsibility as meaningful ways of honouring the country’s democratic journey and the sacrifices of pro-democracy heroes.

Okewole made the call in a Democracy Day message commemorating the 2026 celebration, describing June 12 as a historic milestone that reflects the resilience of Nigerians in their struggle for democratic governance.

In a statement made available to Vanguard on Saturday, the Accord Party governorship hopeful paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and other democracy activists who made immense sacrifices in the quest for democratic rule.

According to him, June 12 remains one of the most significant dates in Nigeria’s political history and serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to deepen democratic values and strengthen society.

“At certain moments in the history of a people, destiny presents an opportunity to choose between progress and stagnation. This is one of such moments, and history is waiting to see whether we are prepared to accept the responsibility of building a better future,” Okewole said.

The former governorship candidate stressed that history remembers individuals who make sacrifices for the common good rather than those who choose comfort over service.

“History does not celebrate cowards. It immortalises men and women who rise to the occasion when duty calls. They place the interests of the people above personal gain and make sacrifices for the greater good. Ogun State is at such a defining moment, and we must seize the opportunity before us,” he stated.

Okewole noted that Ogun State, widely recognised for its pivotal role in the advancement of democracy in Nigeria, bears a moral responsibility to preserve the legacy and lessons of June 12.

He dedicated the Democracy Day celebration to Nigerians who endured persecution, hardship and loss during the struggle for democratic governance and prayed that the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes would never be forgotten.

The Accord Party flagbearer also pledged to intensify social intervention and community-based projects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Ogun State indigenes and residents deserve better living conditions. Our senior citizens, adults and children are facing increasing economic challenges, while many families continue to struggle under harsh realities. This informed my decision to dedicate this year’s Democracy Day to community service and social impact initiatives,” he added.

As part of the Democracy Day activities held at the Party State Secretariat in Abeokuta, an interfaith prayer session involving Christian, Muslim and traditional religious leaders was organised to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, good governance and sustainable development in Nigeria and Ogun State.

Special prayers were also offered for improved security across the country, an end to banditry and kidnapping, and the safe return of schoolchildren, teachers and other Nigerians currently in captivity.

Speaking at the event, the Ogun State Chairman of Accord Party, Hon. Oke Rotimi Michael, called on political leaders, stakeholders, community organisations and citizens to work collectively towards building a more prosperous and inclusive Ogun State.

He emphasised that sustainable development would require deliberate action, active citizen participation and a commitment to people-centred governance.

“A new Ogun State will not emerge by chance. It will be the result of hard work, community engagement, citizen mobilisation and a determination to ensure that no community is left behind. The ideals of June 12 should guide our efforts to build a more prosperous, inclusive and democratic state,” Oke said.

He further urged Nigerians not to lose sight of the historical significance of June 12 and the sacrifices made by the nation’s democratic heroes.

“May our history never be forgotten, and may the sacrifices of our heroes past never be in vain,” he added