Abuja: A Kaduna-based NGO, Beacon of Transformative and Inclusive Development Centre (BEACON) has called for the entrenchment of inclusive governance to reap the gains of democracy. BEACON’s Executive Director, Mrs. Abigail Olatunde, made the call in a statement in Kaduna on Thursday to commemorate the 2025 Democracy Day.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Olatunde congratulated Nigerians for the journey so far toward a more democratic society and stressed the need for inclusive governance that leaves no one behind. She highlighted the undeniable progress Nigeria has made since the return of democracy in 1999 and noted that the official recognition of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day is a powerful acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by citizens who demanded change.

Olatunde emphasized that the promise of democracy must go beyond symbolism and translate into responsive leadership, equitable opportunities, and meaningful participation for all Nigerians. She stated that June 12 should not just be seen as a date on the calendar but as a day to remember those who fought for the nation’s democracy and the need to strengthen its tenets, reminding Nigerians that the ongoing struggle for freedom, representation, and justice belongs to all, not just a few.

She further explained that democracy at its core is about people, participation, voice, accountability, and justice. However, she warned that true democracy remains incomplete when large segments of the population-women, youth, persons with disabilities, the poor, and rural dwellers-are left on the fringes of governance and development.

Olatunde stated that BEACON believes development must be inclusive and governance must be people-centered. She emphasized that democracy should not be defined solely by elections but by the everyday opportunities citizens have to shape government policies and institutional decisions that affect their lives. She described democracy as a process that demands constant vigilance, participation, and courage.

She pledged that BEACON would continue to work with communities and civic actors, including public and private institutions, to promote inclusive governance. This would be achieved through capacity building for underrepresented groups, civic education in marginalized communities, and advocacy for policy reforms that prioritize equity and social justice.

Olatunde called on leaders at all levels to recommit to the values of transparency, inclusion, and accountability, and urged civil society organizations to continue defending the civic space. She encouraged every Nigerian, regardless of background, to claim their rightful place in the democratic process, asking the nation to continually question who is being left behind, whose voice is missing, and whose vote does not count.

She concluded by affirming that a democracy that leaves no one behind is not just an aspiration but a responsibility, and reiterated BEACON’s steadfast commitment to ensuring that democracy works for everyone, especially those who have been excluded from its promise for far too long.