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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed concern over the continued captivity of students abducted in Oyo and Borno states, urging the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward their immediate rescue and safe return.
Beyond the abductions NANS called on the Federal Government to improve welfare of Nigerian students across the country.
The student body made the demand on Friday as it staged a nationwide Democracy Day Walk simultaneously in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Imo, Kano and Gombe states to commemorate 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.
Addressing students during the walk in Port Harcourt, the President of NANS, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, underscored the celebration of Democracy Day, saying it provides an opportunity to reflect on the gains of democracy and the need to safeguard its core dividends, especially security and citizens’ welfare.
The Democracy Day Walk attracted participation from students across various tertiary institutions in the states where the event was held, with participants advocating stronger democratic institutions, improved security and greater attention to students’ welfare.
According to the NANS leadership, Nigerian students remain committed to the ideals of democracy and national development, insisting that students have always played critical roles in shaping the nation’s democratic journey.
He paid glowing tribute to past and present democracy advocates whose sacrifices he maintained contributed to sustaining democratic governance in Nigeria despite prevailing political and social challenges.
Afeez harped on the need for all Nigerians to unite in protecting and preserving the country’s democratic institutions and values.
“While we celebrate the nation’s democratic progress, we appeal to the Federal Government to do everything within its capacity to ensure the rescue and safe return of our students who remain in captivity,” he said.
He acknowledged the efforts and sacrifices of security personnel across the country, enjoining them to continue to sustain and strengthen ongoing operations to achieve lasting peace and security.
NANS however acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Tinubu in consolidating June 12 as Nigeria’s official Democracy Day.
He said the day offers an opportunity for Nigerians to continue to honour the memory of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and other heroes of the pro-democracy struggle, particularly members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).
The NANS president maintained that students are not passive observers in the nation’s affairs, noting that Nigerian students have consistently been at the forefront of major social and political transformations.
“Our responsibility today is to deepen the culture of democratic participation within our institutions, communities and in the choices we make as citizens of Nigeria,” he stated.
Afeez also assured Nigerian students of his administration’s commitment to advancing their welfare and protecting their interests, promising to continue amplifying their voices on issues affecting education and national development.