Emmanuel Obi
President Bola Tinubu on Friday called on Nigerians to unite behind efforts to achieve economic prosperity, declaring that while an earlier generation secured democracy, the current one must focus on delivering economic freedom and development.
Speaking during his Democracy Day address marking 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, Tinubu said Nigeria had made significant democratic progress since 1999 and urged citizens to remain committed to strengthening democratic institutions.
“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,” the President said.
He acknowledged the economic hardship facing many Nigerians but maintained that reforms introduced by his administration since 2023 were beginning to yield results.
According to him, federation revenues have increased, fiscal transparency has improved, investor confidence has returned, and non-oil exports grew by 21 per cent in the past year.
Tinubu said domestic refining capacity had expanded, while investments across agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation and the creative industry were increasing.
The President also highlighted efforts to reform the electricity sector, including the implementation of the Electricity Act, support for rural electrification projects, and plans to address legacy debts within the power value chain.
“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.
On local government administration, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to financial autonomy for the country’s 774 councils, arguing that grassroots governance was critical to national development and security.
The President urged young Nigerians to contribute to national development rather than seek opportunities abroad, saying, “Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here.”
He also paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12 struggle, including Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi and several other pro-democracy activists whose sacrifices, he said, helped secure the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
