By Isabella Okon
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) joins millions of Nigerians in commemorating Democracy Day and celebrating the heroes and heroines of June 12 whose courage, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment to justice laid the foundation for the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
In a statement marking the occasion, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, described June 12 as a symbol of the resilience of the Nigerian people and a reminder that democracy thrives only when citizens remain committed to the ideals of freedom, justice, equity, and accountable governance.
According to her, the significance of June 12 goes beyond history, as it continues to inspire Nigerians to protect democratic values and work collectively towards building a more inclusive and prosperous nation.
“Today, we honour the memory of all those who paid the ultimate price in the struggle for democracy. We remember the brave men and women who stood against oppression, the journalists who risked their lives to defend truth and press freedom, and the countless citizens whose sacrifices paved the way for democratic governance in Nigeria,” she stated.
Comrade Ibrahim noted that while Nigeria has made significant progress in its democratic journey, much remains to be done to ensure that democracy truly reflects the aspirations of all citizens, especially women and other underrepresented groups.
She stressed that women remain critical stakeholders in nation-building and must be given greater opportunities to participate meaningfully in governance, leadership, and decision-making processes at all levels.
“The struggle of June 12 was fundamentally about giving people a voice and ensuring that every citizen has a stake in the nation’s future. As we celebrate this historic day, we must also renew our commitment to creating a democracy that is inclusive, participatory, and reflective of the diversity of our society. Women must not be left behind in this process.”
The NAWOJ National Chairperson further reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to promoting democratic values, defending freedom of expression, advocating gender equality, and amplifying the voices of women across all sectors of national life.
She called on government, political leaders, civil society organisations, and citizens to work together to remove barriers that hinder women’s participation in governance and leadership, noting that no nation can achieve sustainable development while excluding half of its population from decision-making.
As Nigeria marks Democracy Day 2026, NAWOJ urges all Nigerians to uphold the principles for which the heroes of June 12 fought and sacrificed, and to continue striving for a nation where justice, equity, inclusion, and equal opportunity prevail.
The sacrifices of our democracy heroes shall never be forgotten. Their courage and patriotism will continue to inspire future generations in the collective pursuit of a stronger, united, and truly democratic Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Hajia Aishatu Ibrahim
National Chairperson, NAWOJ and Comrade Wasilah Ladan, National Secretary, NAWOJ.