President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to unite behind the collective task of securing economic prosperity for future generations, declaring that while Nigeria’s founding fathers won independence and the heroes of June 12 secured democracy, the responsibility of the present generation is to build a prosperous and economically empowered nation.
Speaking during his nationwide Democracy Day address on Thursday, the President reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey, celebrated the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists, outlined his administration’s achievements in security and economic reforms and unveiled national honours for dozens of individuals who played critical roles in the struggle for democratic governance.
The President described June 12 as a sacred milestone in Nigeria’s political history, stressing that the date represents far more than an election, but a symbol of national unity, sacrifice and democratic resilience.
According to him, Nigeria has now enjoyed 27 uninterrupted years of democratic governance since the return to civilian rule in 1999, making it the longest period of civilian administration in the nation’s history.
“Our democracy may not be perfect, but it remains ours. We must continue to defend it, strengthen it, and ensure that it delivers meaningful progress for every Nigerian,” Tinubu declared.
Ahead of the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, the President urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties and stakeholders to ensure peaceful, transparent and credible electoral processes.
He emphasized that public confidence in elections remains fundamental to democratic stability and warned that democracy weakens whenever citizens lose faith in the electoral process.
The President also commended the National Assembly, Judiciary, media organizations, and civil society groups for their roles in safeguarding democratic institutions.
Addressing Nigerian youths, Tinubu encouraged them to remain committed to nation-building, innovation, and democratic participation.
He urged young Nigerians to build careers, establish businesses, create technological solutions, and actively participate in governance rather than abandoning the country during difficult periods.
“Nigeria belongs to its young people. Every great nation was built by citizens who chose to solve problems rather than walk away from them,” he said.
Tribute to Democracy Heroes and June 12 Icons
President Tinubu paid glowing tributes to the heroes and heroines of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, particularly the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election.
He also honoured the memory of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and several notable pro-democracy figures, including Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo, Chima Ubani, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and many others who endured imprisonment, exile, intimidation and even death in pursuit of democratic freedom.
The President noted that the greatest tribute Nigerians can pay to these patriots is to strengthen democratic institutions and build a nation where justice, accountability, freedom and opportunity flourish.
Acknowledging recent incidents of insecurity, particularly the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno States, Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration remains fully committed to restoring peace and protecting lives.
He disclosed that the Federal Government had declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 additional police officers alongside thousands of military personnel.
According to the President, the 2026 Federal Budget earmarks a record N5.41 trillion for defence and security operations, reflecting the administration’s determination to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Highlighting progress made in the fight against insurgency, Tinubu revealed that security forces had successfully dismantled major terrorist infrastructure, including an ISWAP command centre in Arege, Borno State. He further stated that terrorism-related deaths have declined significantly since 2015, while more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralized over the past year.
The President also noted that the government’s deradicalization programme, Operation Safe Corridor, has facilitated the surrender of over 124,000 former insurgents and their dependants since 2023.
Sending a strong warning to criminal elements, Tinubu declared that terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, and their sponsors must either surrender or face the full force of the law. The President devoted a significant portion of his address to defending the economic reforms introduced by his administration since assuming office in 2023.
He explained that the reforms were necessary to rescue the nation from severe fiscal challenges, declining investor confidence and economic instability. According to him, the reforms have begun producing measurable outcomes, including increased federation revenues, improved fiscal transparency, reduced leakages, and renewed investor confidence across multiple sectors.
Tinubu disclosed that investments are growing in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, mining, transportation, technology and the creative economy. He also highlighted improvements in domestic refining capacity, which he said would strengthen Nigeria’s energy security and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
Addressing the nation’s electricity challenges, Tinubu painted a picture of the inherited difficulties within the sector, including inadequate generation, weak transmission infrastructure, huge metering deficits and massive legacy debts.
He cited the signing of the Electricity Act as one of the landmark reforms aimed at empowering states to participate in electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
The President disclosed that the Presidential Power Sector Task Force has been mandated to address metering challenges and facilitate the issuance of a N4 trillion bond to settle verified sector debts.
He also highlighted efforts by the Rural Electrification Agency, supported by international development partners, to provide electricity to underserved communities, educational institutions, markets and healthcare facilities through mini-grid and off-grid projects. “Electricity is a democratic dividend that every Nigerian deserves,” he stated.
President Tinubu said his administration is accelerating infrastructure development nationwide to connect producers with markets, stimulate economic activity and create employment opportunities.
Among the initiatives highlighted was the National Agricultural Development Fund’s plan to deploy 10,000 tractors across the country over five years to enhance mechanized farming and food production.
He further disclosed that more than 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises have been certified for export, while non-oil exports recorded a 21 percent increase in the past year.
Despite these gains, the President acknowledged that many Nigerians continue to experience economic hardship and rising living costs.
He assured citizens that government efforts remain focused on reducing inflation, increasing food production, expanding job opportunities, improving living standards and creating sustainable economic growth.
Local Government
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening local governance through financial autonomy for Nigeria’s 774 local government councils. He argued that weak local government administration has contributed significantly to insecurity, poor service delivery, and underdevelopment across many communities.
According to him, empowering local councils remains central to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the broader objective of ensuring that governance reaches every Nigerian.
As part of activities marking Democracy Day, President Tinubu announced the revitalisation and renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna in honour of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.
The institution will now be known as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology, recognizing the late statesman’s contributions to democratic development and national unity.
The President also announced national honours for numerous journalists, activists, politicians, lawyers, academics, military officers and pro-democracy advocates who suffered persecution during the struggle against military rule.
Among those recognized are Tunde Fagbenle, Olatunji Bello, Joe Okei-Odumakin, Richard Akinnola, Femi Aborisade, Gbemiga Ogunleye, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Ike Okonta and several others. He additionally honoured a group of military officers described as “soldier-democrats” who supported the June 12 struggle and democratic transition. The full honours list, according to the President, will be officially released in the coming days.
Concluding his address, President Tinubu stressed that every generation of Nigerians has faced a defining national challenge. He noted that while Nigeria’s founding fathers secured independence and June 12 activists secured democracy, today’s generation must focus on securing prosperity and economic freedom for all citizens.
Calling for unity, optimism, and national purpose, he urged Nigerians to reject division and despair while embracing hope, diversity, and collective progress. “June 12 showed us the possibility of a truly united Nigeria. The heroes of June 12 secured our political freedom. Our challenge today is to secure economic freedom and ensure that democracy delivers tangible benefits to every citizen,” he said.
The President ended his Democracy Day message by reaffirming the nation’s commitment to the ideals of freedom, justice, accountability, and democratic governance.
“Twenty-seven years ago, many doubted democracy could survive in a nation as diverse as ours. Today, our diversity remains one of the pillars sustaining our democracy. Nigerians may bend and bleed, but we do not break.”
He prayed for continued peace, progress and unity in the Federal Republic of Nigeria while wishing citizens a happy Democracy Day celebration.
