Ode to June 12: Nigeria's Democracy Day
June 12: Nigeria's Democracy Day
Introduction
From the depths of struggle, a story unfolds,
Of heroes in battle, brave and bold.
In the annals of history, their names shine bright,
On June 12th, we commemorate their fight.
In '93, a beacon of hope did arise,
M.K.O. Abiola, the people's choice, in our eyes.
With a vision of unity, progress, and peace,
He sought to make the chains of oppression cease. 
Yet darkness loomed, a cruel, unjust hand,
As tyranny gripped our beloved land.
The mandate was stolen, dreams were deferred,
But the spirit of democracy was undeterred.
In the streets, the people's voices rang,
Democracy songs they defiantly sang.
They marched, they clamored, through sorrow and pain,
Believing that justice would soon reign.
Ken Saro-Wiwa, with pen and might,
Fought for the people, for what was right.
Even as the shadows took his light,
His legacy endures in our democratic fight.
Obafemi Awolowo, sage and seer,
Whose vision for freedom remains ever clear.
His dream of a nation, strong and free,
Still guides our steps towards unity. 
Gani Fawehinmi, a warrior for the law,
Relentless, undaunted, he stood in awe.
For every injustice, he bore the scars,
A champion for freedom, under the stars. 
Through years of struggle, turmoil, and strife,
Democracy emerged, breathing new life.
On June 12th, the echoes of the past,
Remind us that freedom, forever, will last.
And now we rise with a new anthem’s call,
A testament to unity, a pledge for all.
Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey,
To serve with heart and might, come what may.
The labor of our heroes past,
Shall never be in vain, but will ever last.
With God on our side, a nation reborn,
In liberty’s light, we greet the dawn.
On this Democracy Day, we stand as one,
Honoring the battles fought and won.
With faith in our hearts, we proudly proclaim,
Nigeria will flourish, in freedom’s name.
In the harsh climes of history's cold embrace,
Many stood firm, refusing disgrace.
From Abacha’s grip to the echo of chains,
Nigeria’s spirit, unbroken, remains.
Through dark nights and oppressive regimes,
Our heroes held fast to the Nigerian dream.
From East to West, North to South,
The cry for freedom came from every mouth.
The struggle wasn’t just of politics and might,
It was of people yearning for their right.
Teachers, farmers, and youths all aligned,
In the relentless march to leave tyranny behind.
Fela’s songs of freedom, a rebel’s hymn,
Echoed the hope that would not dim.
Through music, he spoke of a nation's plight,
Inspiring many to stand and fight.
We remember Beko Ransome-Kuti,
A doctor who saw justice as his duty.
He marched, he rallied, he faced the night,
With unwavering courage, seeking the light.
And Kudirat Abiola, who bore the flame,
In her husband's stead, she earned her name.
A martyr for freedom, her spirit soared,
In every heart where democracy roared.
Today, as the green and white flag flies,
We honor their memories, reaching the skies.
Our anthem’s words hold more than song,
They tell of a nation, united and strong.
“Arise, O compatriots,” we sing anew,
With a pledge to our nation, loyal and true.
The anthem, a symbol of what we defend,
Our history’s lesson, a democracy to tend.
In every school and every street,
The tale of June 12th, we proudly repeat.
For it’s not just a day, but a testament to all,
That in unity and justice, we stand tall.
As we look to the future, bright and clear,
We remember the struggles, and persevere.
For democracy is not a gift, but a fight,
An eternal vigil in the quest for what’s right.
So let us celebrate this sacred day,
In honor of those who paved the way.
Their sacrifice, their unwavering stand,
Has gifted us freedom in this cherished land.
With the new anthem, a harmonious blend,
We commit to Nigeria, our homeland to defend.
In their memory, let’s uphold the light,
In every action, for justice and right.
From Abiola’s hope to the present’s call,
We honor them today, and always recall.
For in their fight, our future is cast,
In the enduring legacy of heroes past.
References
- Abiola, M.K.O., the champion of the 1993 democratic struggle.
- Saro-Wiwa, Ken, environmental activist and advocate for the Ogoni people.
- Awolowo, Obafemi, political leader and visionary.
- Fawehinmi, Gani, lawyer and human rights activist.
- Fela Kuti, musician and activist who used his music to criticize military rule and corruption.
- Beko Ransome-Kuti, doctor and human rights activist.
- Kudirat Abiola, activist and wife of M.K.O. Abiola, who was assassinated for her pro-democracy efforts.
- The new Nigerian National Anthem, adopted in 1978, reflecting the aspirations of a united nation.
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