By our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to remain committed to democratic values, national unity and economic transformation, declaring that while the June 12 generation secured democracy, the present generation must secure prosperity for the nation.
In his nationwide address to commemorate Nigeria’s 2026 Democracy Day, the President celebrated the country’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, describing it as the longest stretch of civilian rule in Nigeria’s history.
“Though our democracy is not perfect, it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it,” Tinubu said.
The President urged stakeholders to ensure peaceful and credible elections in Ekiti and Osun states, emphasizing that public confidence in the electoral process remains vital to the survival of democracy.
He also called on the National Assembly, judiciary, media and civil society organisations to continue playing their roles as guardians of democratic governance.
Addressing Nigerian youths, Tinubu encouraged them to contribute actively to national development rather than seek opportunities elsewhere.
“Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems,” he said.
The President paid tribute to the nation’s democracy heroes, including Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi, and several others who made sacrifices for the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria.
On security, Tinubu acknowledged concerns arising from the recent abduction of children in Oyo and Borno states but assured Nigerians that his administration remained committed to tackling insecurity across the country.
According to him, the government has declared a security emergency, approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel, while allocating N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget.
The President said recent military operations had recorded significant gains against insurgents and terrorists, noting that terror-related deaths had declined substantially while thousands of fighters and their dependants had surrendered through the government’s deradicalisation programme.
“To bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terror: surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” he warned.
Tinubu also highlighted key economic reforms undertaken by his administration since 2023, saying they were necessary to restore stability, improve fiscal transparency and attract investment.
He stated that federation revenues had increased, investor confidence had improved and investments were growing across critical sectors, including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, mining, technology and transportation.
The President noted that domestic refining capacity had expanded, helping to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
He further outlined efforts to reform the electricity sector through the implementation of the Electricity Act, which grants states authority to generate, transmit and distribute electricity.
According to him, initiatives by the Presidential Power Sector Task Force and the Rural Electrification Agency are helping to address metering deficits and extend power supply to underserved communities, universities, markets and healthcare facilities.
In the agricultural sector, Tinubu disclosed that the National Agricultural Development Fund was deploying 10,000 tractors over five years, while more than 1,000 small and medium-scale enterprises had been certified for export. He added that non-oil exports grew by 21 per cent in the last year.
Despite the gains, the President acknowledged that many Nigerians continue to face economic hardship and pledged that the government would remain focused on reducing inflation, boosting food production, creating jobs and improving living standards.
“We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community and every region,” he said.
The President also reiterated his administration’s support for financial autonomy for Nigeria’s 774 local government councils, describing effective grassroots governance as essential for development and security.
As part of activities marking Democracy Day, Tinubu announced the Federal Government’s decision to rename the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology in honour of the late pro-democracy leader, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.
He also announced national honours for dozens of individuals who played significant roles in the June 12 struggle and Nigeria’s democratic evolution, including activists, journalists, politicians and military officers who endured persecution, imprisonment and exile during the pro-democracy movement.
“The generation of our founding fathers secured independence. The generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity,” the President declared.
He called on Nigerians to reject division, cynicism and despair, and instead embrace unity, hope and confidence in the nation’s future.
The President concluded by urging citizens to renew their commitment to democracy and nation-building, expressing optimism that Nigeria would continue to overcome its challenges and achieve greater progress in the years ahead.
