ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to unite in building a more prosperous nation, declaring that while the heroes of the June 12 struggle secured political freedom, the current generation must focus on achieving economic freedom and shared prosperity.
In his Democracy Day address on Friday, the President said Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance remains a significant achievement that must be protected and strengthened.
“June 12, 1993, revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation. The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom,” Tinubu said.
The President noted that democracy must go beyond periodic elections and be reflected in improved living conditions, economic opportunities, and better standards of living for citizens.
“Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives—in opportunities for youth, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs, and the dignity of our workers,” he stated.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain committed to democratic values, stressing that despite its imperfections, democracy remains the best system for resolving disagreements peacefully and ensuring citizens have a voice in governance.
As Ekiti and Osun states prepare for elections, the President called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and political parties to ensure peaceful, transparent, and credible polls.
“Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process,” he warned.
Addressing security concerns, Tinubu acknowledged the pain caused by the recent abduction of children in Oyo and Borno states, describing security as a critical pillar of democracy.
“Democracy without security is not solid enough,” the President said.
He disclosed that his administration had declared a security emergency, approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel, and allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget.
According to him, the government’s counterterrorism efforts have yielded significant results, including the degradation of terrorist strongholds and a reduction in terror-related deaths.
The President also highlighted ongoing economic reforms aimed at restoring fiscal stability, improving transparency, attracting investment, and strengthening key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, energy, transportation, and the creative industry.
He noted that increased federation revenues have enabled state and local governments to invest more in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security, while domestic refining capacity has improved energy security.
On power sector reforms, Tinubu said the Electricity Act has empowered states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity, while measures are being implemented to address metering deficits and legacy debts within the sector.
The President further emphasized the importance of local government autonomy, describing effective grassroots governance as essential to national development and security.
He paid tribute to Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, and other heroes of the pro-democracy struggle whose sacrifices paved the way for Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Tinubu also announced national honours for dozens of democracy activists, journalists, labour leaders, political figures, and military officers who played significant roles in the June 12 struggle and the fight for democratic governance.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to national unity, the President urged Nigerians to reject division and remain hopeful about the country’s future.
“Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence—the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity,” he said.
The President expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges through unity, resilience, and collective determination.
“Let us move forward together—rejecting division, cynicism, and despair; embracing unity, hope, and confidence. Let us build a Nigeria united by a common purpose, strengthened by diversity, where justice is accessible, liberty is secure, and opportunity is abundant,” Tinubu added.
