President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that while the June 12 generation fought and secured democracy, the responsibility of the current generation is to achieve economic prosperity for all Nigerians.
Speaking during his Democracy Day address on June 12, 2026, Tinubu celebrated Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, describing it as the longest period of civilian governance in the nation’s history.
He urged Nigerians to continue defending democratic institutions and called for peaceful and credible elections in Ekiti and Osun States.
The President paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12 struggle, including M.K.O. Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi and other pro-democracy activists whose sacrifices helped restore democratic governance in Nigeria.
Addressing security concerns, Tinubu said the Federal Government had intensified efforts against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, noting that more than 50,000 police officers and thousands of military recruits had been approved for recruitment.
He added that the 2026 budget allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security, the highest in the country’s history.
The President also highlighted the administration’s economic reforms, saying they had improved fiscal stability, increased government revenues, boosted investor confidence and expanded domestic refining capacity.
He pointed to ongoing investments in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology and infrastructure as part of efforts to drive economic growth.
On electricity, Tinubu said reforms in the power sector, including the implementation of the Electricity Act and efforts to address metering deficits and legacy debts, were aimed at improving power supply across the country.
While acknowledging the economic challenges facing many Nigerians, the President assured citizens that his administration remained focused on reducing inflation, increasing food production, creating jobs and improving living standards.
Tinubu further announced the approval of the renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, in honour of Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and unveiled a list of pro-democracy activists and military officers to receive national honours for their roles in the June 12 struggle.
He called on Nigerians to reject division and work together to build a united, prosperous and democratic nation.