June 12: EAPEAN Felicitate Nigerians, Calls for Improved Governance

The President of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN), Amb. Chief Nzeribe Okegbue, PhD, has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the 2026 Democracy Day, while calling on governments at all levels to intensify efforts towards addressing the country’s security challenges and securing the release of citizens currently held captive by kidnappers.

In a Democracy Day message signed by the Executive Secretary of EAPEAN, Mr. Jide Afolabi, the association commended Nigerians for their resilience and continued faith in democratic governance despite prevailing socio-economic and security challenges confronting the nation.

According to Amb. Okegbue, Democracy Day provides an opportunity for reflection on the nation’s democratic journey, the sacrifices of past heroes, and the collective responsibility of leaders and citizens to strengthen democratic institutions and promote good governance.

The EAPEAN President noted that while Nigeria has recorded notable gains since the return to democratic rule in 1999, insecurity remains a major threat to national development, economic growth, job creation, and social stability.

He expressed concern over the increasing incidents of kidnapping and violent attacks across different parts of the country, particularly the recent abduction of students, teachers, women, and other innocent citizens in Oyo and Borno States.

“The continued captivity of innocent Nigerians, especially students, teachers, women and vulnerable members of society, is a matter of grave concern. As a nation, we cannot celebrate the gains of democracy while many citizens remain in the hands of criminal elements,” he stated.

Amb. Okegbue therefore urged the Federal Government, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance inter-agency collaboration, and deploy all necessary resources towards securing the immediate rescue of those currently held in kidnappers’ dens.

He further called for renewed commitment to the protection of schools, communities, workplaces, and public infrastructure across the country, stressing that sustainable economic development can only thrive in an environment of peace and security.

The EAPEAN President also appealed to government at all levels to continue implementing policies that promote employment generation, support private sector growth, and improve the welfare of citizens, noting that economic inclusion remains critical to deepening democratic dividends.

“As we commemorate Democracy Day, let us recommit ourselves to the ideals of justice, accountability, national unity, and respect for the rule of law. We urge our leaders to place the welfare and security of Nigerians at the centre of governance while working collectively to build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous nation,” he added.

EAPEAN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote decent work, labour market development, private sector participation, and national development.