President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu attended the national premiere of the MKO documentary in Abuja as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The documentary tells the story of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election and the struggle to restore democracy in Nigeria.
The event attracted top government officials, lawmakers, governors and other dignitaries from across the country.
Speaking at the premiere, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, paid tribute to the many Nigerians who lost their lives or suffered persecution while fighting for democracy.
He said the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists, journalists, lawyers, students, workers and civil society groups must never be forgotten because they secured the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
Onanuga described the documentary as a lasting tribute to MKO Abiola and the countless Nigerians who defended the June 12 mandate despite intimidation, detention and exile.
He added that Nigeria has enjoyed 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999 and urged citizens to protect the country’s democracy at all times.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said the film preserves the story of June 12 and reminds younger generations of the price paid for democratic rule.
Producer Ose Oyamendan thanked President Tinubu and other supporters for helping to bring the documentary to life, describing it as an important record of Nigeria’s political history.
The President’s participation at the premiere highlighted his administration’s commitment to preserving Nigeria’s democratic history and honouring those whose sacrifices paved the way for the country’s democracy.