Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has called for a deeper understanding of the significance of June 12, saying the date should be remembered as a sacrifice that helped shape Nigeria’s democracy, beyond its status as a public holiday.
Musawa made the call at the national premiere of MKO, an investigative documentary on the late Chief Moshood Abiola, held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Minister expressed concern that many young Nigerians now associate June 12 mainly with a public holiday, stressing the need to preserve the history and sacrifices behind the date.
She said the documentary would help remind younger generations that Nigeria’s democratic journey was fought for and defended by individuals who made significant sacrifices.
Musawa also said Nigeria’s creative industry has an important role to play in preserving the country’s history, noting that film and other creative platforms can help ensure that the stories of the nation’s democratic struggle are not forgotten.
Earlier, the director of the documentary, Ose Oyamendan, said MKO was produced to honour the heroes who fought for democracy and to keep their contributions alive in the national consciousness.
The premiere attracted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, state governors, members of the National Assembly, ministers and other dignitaries.
