President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday attended the national premiere of MKO, a documentary chronicling the life and legacy of late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and the June 12 pro-democracy struggle.
The screening, held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Produced by US-based filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, the documentary recounts the events surrounding the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest elections in Nigeria’s history, as well as the nationwide struggle that eventually led to the restoration of democratic governance.
The event attracted several top government officials and prominent personalities, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, welcomed guests and described the documentary as a tribute to the heroes of the June 12 struggle.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, paid tribute to pro-democracy activists, journalists, labour leaders, students and others who suffered persecution, imprisonment, exile and even death in the struggle for democracy.
Leading the audience in a minute’s silence for those who lost their lives, Onanuga said the sacrifices of the June 12 heroes should never be forgotten, noting that the freedoms Nigerians currently enjoy were secured through their courage and resilience.
He stated that the documentary serves as a reminder of the collective sacrifices made to defend the will of the Nigerian people and preserve democratic governance.
Musawa said the film documents the events leading to the June 12 election, the annulment of the poll, Abiola’s arrest and eventual death in detention, stressing the need to preserve the nation’s democratic history for future generations.
Producer Oyamendan thanked President Tinubu for his support and commitment to democratic ideals, describing the documentary as an effort to educate younger Nigerians on the sacrifices that shaped the country’s democratic journey.
