Garlands of June 12 : BASA Appointed Spokesperson & Chair, Special Fundraising Sub-Committee for the 2026 National Democracy Day Conference
Honourable Bolanle Aminat Sarumi-Aliyu (BASA) has been officially appointed by the NigeriaFIRST™ Foundation as Spokesperson for the forthcoming 2026 National Democracy Day Conference & MKO Abiola Heroes of Democracy Award, scheduled to hold in Abuja. In addition, she has been entrusted with the critical responsibility of Chair, Special Fundraising Sub-Committee for this historic national convergence.
This appointment is a recognition of BASA’s proven capacity, her track record of service, and her unyielding commitment to democratic ideals. In the words of the NigeriaFIRST™ Foundation, “Her appointment brings to this national assignment a convergence of proven capacity, continental networks, and unassailable credibility.”
The Foundation further noted that, “Hon. Bolanle Aminat Sarumi embodies the living doctrine of June 12: sacrifice transmuted into service, and service institutionalised as statecraft.” This affirmation underscores why she was chosen to articulate the ideals of June 12 and to mobilise resources for a conference that will not merely commemorate history, but make it.
The NigeriaFIRST™ Foundation, under the distinguished leadership of its Board Chairman, Sir Dr. Mike Okiro, CFR, NPM, mni, KSS (Former Inspector General of Police), and with the royal benediction of its Eminent Grand Patron, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, The Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, unanimously endorsed Hon. BASA for this national assignment. Their confidence reflects her stature as a leader who combines intellect with empathy, enterprise with ethics, and grassroots legitimacy with global perspective.
Hon. BASA expressed gratitude to the NigeriaFIRST™ Foundation for the confidence reposed in her, pledging to serve with integrity and to ensure that the voice of June 12 is amplified and institutionalised. She affirmed that the covenant of June 12 must move from communiqués to clauses, from declarations to decrees, and promised to carry this mandate into her legislative journey if elected as Senator for Oyo South in 2027.
This appointment is not ceremonial. It is consequential. It is a call to service that aligns with her lifelong philosophy: leadership as sacrifice, and sacrifice as service.
Signed:
Seye Akanmu-Bode
Special Assistant, Media and Strategy to Hon. Bolanle Aminat Sarumi-Aliyu (BASA)