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President Bola Tinubu on Friday appealed to young Nigerians to stay and build their country rather than abandon it, as he delivered his Democracy Day address to the nation.
“Nigeria is your home. Build here, work here, and food here,” Tinubu said.
“Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship.”
Tribute to security forces
The president also saluted the armed forces, police and intelligence services for their sacrifices.
“Nigeria salutes your sacrifice,” he said.
He thanked traditional rulers, faith leaders and community health workers for their support of peace and reconciliation, acknowledging that “the government cannot do it alone.”
Tinubu acknowledged that the mood of this year’s Democracy Day celebration was dampened by the abduction of schoolchildren across the country.
“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children, we remain hopeful for their safe return,” he said.
The president reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting that for 27 years Nigerians have chosen their leaders through the ballot and resolved disagreements in courtrooms rather than through violence.
“We have experienced the longest stretch of civilian rule in our history. Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it,” he said.
Tinubu urged the National Assembly, judiciary, press and civil society to serve as the guard rails of the republic.
“Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria,” he told the nation.
The president paid tribute to patriots who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile and death so that future generations could enjoy democracy.
He saluted labour leaders, journalists, activists, students, women, professionals and political leaders for their patriotic contributions.
Tinubu announced national awards for several Nigerians who suffered persecution during the struggle for democracy, including Barrister Ayoka Lawani, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Segun Babatope, Sam Omatseye, and others.
Posthumous awards went to Dr Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi.
New university named after Yar’Adua
The president also announced the revitalisation and renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.
Reflecting on 27 years of democracy, Tinubu said many had doubted democracy would survive in Nigeria because of its diversity.
“Today, our diversity sustains our democracy. The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” he said.
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