Inside Tinubu’s Democracy Day Speech — Full National Address Revealed

According to Ireporter Online, President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on 51 distinguished Nigerians as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, recognising their contributions to democracy, governance, media, activism, and national development.

The President made the announcement during a nationwide broadcast commemorating 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule in Nigeria, where he also paid tribute to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other prominent figures of the June 12 pro-democracy struggle, noting their sacrifices in shaping the country’s democratic journey.

The award recipients include leading figures from the National Democratic Coalition, veteran journalists, human rights activists, and retired military officers who opposed military rule and supported Nigeria’s return to democratic governance. The list features names such as Ayo Opadokun, Ralph Obioha, Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Dele Alake, Joe Okei-Odumakin, Richard Akinnola, and several others, including posthumous honourees.

Tinubu also recognised a group described as “soldier-democrats,” acknowledging retired senior military officers who played roles in the pro-democracy movement. These include Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), Col. Lawan Gwadabe (retd.), Maj.-Gen. Ishola Williams (retd.), and Brig.-Gen. Yahaya Abubakar (retd.), among others.

In a related development, the President approved the renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, which will now be known as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology, in honour of the late political leader’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

Addressing national security concerns, Tinubu acknowledged recent abductions in parts of the country but maintained that his administration remains committed to restoring peace and stability. He disclosed that the 2026 budget allocates ₦5.41 trillion to defence and security, while over 50,000 police officers are being recruited to strengthen internal security operations.

He further warned criminal elements, including bandits and kidnappers, to surrender or face decisive action from the Nigerian state, while noting a significant reduction in terrorism-related deaths and the surrender of thousands of former combatants under ongoing rehabilitation programmes.

On economic reforms, the President defended his administration’s policies, stating that they were necessary to stabilise public finances, attract investment, and improve national productivity. He added that future efforts would focus on ensuring that economic gains are felt directly by citizens, especially through job creation, food security, and inflation control.

Tinubu also highlighted reforms in the power sector, including the implementation of the Electricity Act and efforts to raise a ₦4 trillion bond to clear legacy debts, while reaffirming commitment to local government autonomy and grassroots development.

He urged Nigerians to remain united and committed to democratic values, stressing that the sacrifices of past heroes must translate into prosperity for future generations.