L-R: Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman; former Vice President, Namadi Sambo; former Vice President of Zambia, Dr. Nevers-Sekwila Mumba; former President of Benin Republic, Boni Yayi; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; former Nigeria’s President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, and former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, during the 2024 Democracy Day Dialogue, organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, in Benin City, on Thursday, June 13, 2024.
Obaseki to Jonathan: If not for your decision and actions, we would not have the opportunity to celebrate Democracy Day
By Valentine Amanze
Edo State Governor Godwin
Obaseki, has said that the former President Goodluck Jonathan’s rare decision to concede defeat after the 2015 general election saved the nation from disintegrating.
Obaseki made the commendation at the 2024 Democracy Day Dialogue organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Benin City, Edo State, which discussed issues undermining functional education in Africa, on Thursday June 13, 2024.
While commending Jonathan for keeping Nigeria united with the singular decision at a critical moment, Obaseki urged African leaders not to be selfish in office.
Also read: Nigeria in trouble, says Obaseki
His words: “The leadership ability you showed at the critical moment in our democracy saved the nation as your actions have kept us as a united nation.
“If not for your decision and actions, we would not have the opportunity to celebrate Democracy Day. You will forever be praised in the annals of Nigeria’s history, as your actions demonstrate the vision of your Foundation.
“As African leaders, we are responsible for making the decision that will enable the youths to play their parts in developing Africa. The future is for Africa as the decision we make will not only affect the African continent but the world at large.”
On the state’s education reforms, Obaseki said: “People are coming to Edo State to understudy our educational reforms. Our efforts brought us to the attention of the world.
“We are now placed amongst countries recognized for education reforms.”
Besides, Jonathan thanked the Edo State Government for accepting to host the Foundation as the event coincided with the State’s Education Week, adding, “I thank the keynote speakers for opening the eyes of African leaders, showing them the way to improve and develop the continent. I urge you to meet with leaders in the education sector across the country to discuss the paper.”
