Democracy Day in Nigeria ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of Democracy Day in Nigeria and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of Democracy Day in Nigeria and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Democracy Day is a public holiday in Nigeria, commemorating the day on which the country’s current constitution was enacted. It is celebrated on May 29th.
The current constitution was enacted on May 29, 1999, following the military handover of power to civilian authorities. This marked the end of military rule in Nigeria, which had begun in 1983. The return to democracy was welcomed by many Nigerians, who had endured years of human rights abuses and corruption under military rule.
May 29th was first declared a public holiday in 2000, and has been celebrated every year since then. Democracy Day celebrations typically involve public speeches by government officials, as well as cultural events and concerts. For many Nigerians, Democracy Day is a time to reflect on the country’s progress since the return to civilian rule, and to reaffirm their commitment to democracy.