President Bola Tinubu has declared that the current generation of Nigerians must focus on securing economic prosperity, describing it as the next phase of the country's democratic journey, while reaffirming his administration's commitment to defeating terrorism and deepening democratic governance.

Speaking during his Democracy Day address on June 12, the President said Nigeria has enjoyed 27 consecutive years of civilian rule since 1999, noting that despite existing challenges, democracy remains the foundation of national stability and progress.

Tinubu urged political actors, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and citizens to ensure peaceful and credible elections in Ekiti and Osun states, stressing that confidence in the electoral process is vital to the survival of democracy.

Addressing young Nigerians, the President encouraged them to build their future within the country through innovation, entrepreneurship and active participation in governance.

He paid tribute to pro-democracy activists and other Nigerians who endured imprisonment, persecution, exile and death in the struggle that culminated in the restoration of democratic rule, particularly the heroes of the June 12 movement led by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.

On security, Tinubu expressed concern over the abduction of children in Oyo and Borno states but assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to restoring peace across the country.

According to the President, the Federal Government has declared a security emergency, approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel, and allocated a record N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget.

He disclosed that Nigeria's counterterrorism efforts have shifted from conventional training exercises with international allies, including the United States and France, to precision operations targeting terrorist leadership and infrastructure.

Tinubu stated that recent military operations in Arege, Borno State, degraded key ISWAP command structures, adding that terror-related deaths have declined by 81 percent since 2015, while more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised within the past year.

He also revealed that over 124,000 terrorists and their family members have surrendered since 2023 through the Operation Safe Corridor programme, warning bandits, kidnappers and terror financiers to either surrender or face the full force of the law.

"These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians," the President said.

On the economy, Tinubu defended his administration's reform policies, saying they were necessary to restore stability and confidence in Nigeria's finances.

He noted that revenues accruing to the federation have increased, transparency in public spending has improved and investor confidence has returned, with increased investments recorded in agriculture, energy, technology, manufacturing, mining and transportation.

The President highlighted improvements in domestic refining capacity and outlined efforts to reform the power sector through the Electricity Act, which grants states greater authority over electricity generation, transmission and distribution.

He disclosed that the Federal Government has approved a N4 trillion bond to clear verified debts in the power sector and is working to reduce the country's metering deficit through the Presidential Power Sector Task Force.

Tinubu also announced ongoing infrastructure and agricultural interventions, including the deployment of 10,000 tractors over five years and support for export-oriented small and medium enterprises.

Acknowledging the economic difficulties facing many Nigerians, the President said his administration remains focused on tackling inflation, expanding food production, creating jobs and improving living standards.

He reiterated his support for financial autonomy for the 774 local government councils, describing effective grassroots governance as essential to national development and security.

As part of activities marking Democracy Day, Tinubu announced the Federal Government's approval for the renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna as the General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology in honour of the late military officer and pro-democracy advocate.

The President also announced that national honours would be conferred on dozens of pro-democracy activists, journalists, politicians, lawyers and military officers who played significant roles in Nigeria's struggle for democratic governance.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to reject division and despair and embrace unity and hope, stressing that the sacrifices of the country's democratic heroes must not be in vain.

"Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence, the generation of June 12 secured democracy, and our generation must secure prosperity," Tinubu said.