President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that while the generation of June 12 secured Nigeria’s democracy, the responsibility of the current generation is to secure economic prosperity for all citizens.
In his Democracy Day address on Friday, June 12, 2026, President Tinubu said Nigeria’s democratic journey remains one of the country’s greatest achievements, noting that the nation has enjoyed 27 uninterrupted years of civilian rule since 1999.
“The generation of our founding fathers secured independence—the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity,” the President stated.
Tinubu paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12 struggle, including Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi and several pro-democracy activists who sacrificed their freedom and lives for democratic governance in Nigeria.
The President stressed that democracy must go beyond elections and political freedoms to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians through jobs, economic opportunities and improved living standards.
“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 said.
Addressing security concerns, Tinubu revealed that his administration had approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel as part of efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
He disclosed that the 2026 budget allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security, describing it as the largest security investment in Nigeria’s history.
According to the President, terror-related deaths have declined significantly, while over 13,000 terrorists were neutralised in the past year. He also said more than 124,000 fighters and their dependents had surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023.
On the economy, Tinubu defended his administration’s reforms, arguing that they were necessary to restore fiscal stability and investor confidence.
He said federation revenues had increased, investments were growing across key sectors, domestic refining capacity had expanded, and non-oil exports recorded a 21 per cent increase last year.
The President acknowledged that many Nigerians continue to face economic hardship but assured citizens that his administration remains 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.
Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening local government autonomy, describing effective grassroots governance as critical to national development and security.
The President announced the renaming of the 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 military officer and pro-democracy advocate.
He further unveiled a list of democracy activists, journalists, lawyers, politicians and military officers approved for national honours in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Calling for unity, the President urged Nigerians to reject division and despair while embracing hope and collective progress.
“The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” Tinubu declared.
The President concluded by reaffirming his commitment to protecting democracy, strengthening institutions and building a prosperous nation where freedom, justice and opportunity are accessible to all citizens.
