By Peace Udugba
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that while the heroes of the June 12 struggle secured Nigeria’s democracy, the responsibility of the current generation is to achieve economic prosperity for all citizens.
Speaking during his Democracy Day address on Friday, June 12, 2026, Tinubu paid tribute to the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists and leaders whose struggles helped restore democratic governance in Nigeria.
“The generation of our founding fathers secured independence. The generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity,” the President declared.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria has enjoyed 27 uninterrupted years of civilian rule since 1999, describing it as the country’s longest period of democratic governance. He urged Nigerians to continue defending democratic institutions and maintaining confidence in the electoral process.
The President also addressed security concerns, including the recent abduction of children in Oyo and Borno states, assuring citizens that his administration remains committed to restoring peace and safety across the country.
Highlighting economic reforms introduced since 2023, Tinubu said the measures have improved fiscal stability, boosted investor confidence, increased revenues to states and local governments, and strengthened key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy and infrastructure.
He acknowledged the economic challenges facing many Nigerians but pledged continued efforts to reduce inflation, create jobs and improve living standards.
As part of the Democracy Day celebrations, Tinubu announced that national honours would be conferred on dozens of pro-democracy activists, journalists, politicians and military officers who played significant roles in the June 12 struggle and the restoration of democratic rule.
Those to be honoured include:
Ayoka Lawani, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Segun Babatope, Sam Omatseye, Ademola Osinubi, Bola Bolawole, Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Debo Adeniran, Ayo Opadokun, Ralph Obiora, Ose Osayande, Osa Director, Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Arthur Nwankwo (posthumous), Osagie Obayuwana, Joe Okei-Odumakin, Titus Mann, Joe Igbokwe, Richard Akinnola, Ben Charles-Obi (posthumous), George Mbah, Niran Malaolu, Ishola Williams (rtd), Femi Aborisade, Jenkins Alumona, Gbemiga Ogunleye, Muyiwa Adekeye, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju and Ike Okonta.
The President also recognised military officers who supported the June 12 democratic struggle, including:
Major General M.A. Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Colonel Umar Farouk Ahmed, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong, Colonel Musa Shehu, Major General Chris Eze, Major General Harris Dzarma, Colonel Isa Jibrin, Major General Joseph Oshanupin, Colonel Olusegun Oloruntoba, Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus, Colonel J. Okai, Colonel Emmanuel Ndubueze, Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Muazu and Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe.
Tinubu further announced the Federal Government’s approval for the revitalisation and renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology in honour of the late statesman.
He called on Nigerians to reject division, embrace unity and remain committed to building a prosperous nation.
“June 12 reminds us that Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” the President said, urging citizens to renew their commitment to democracy and national development.
