President Bola Tinubu has pledged that his administration will intensify efforts to alleviate the country’s current economic hardships while redoubling the fight against insecurity.
Speaking during the National Inter-Denominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre in Abuja on Sunday, the President firmly declared that the Federal Government “shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation.”
The service, themed “God of hope, actualise our dreams,” was held as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations.
Represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the President congratulated Nigerians on achieving 27 uninterrupted years of democratic rule since 1999.
In a statement later released by Yomi Odunuga, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF, Tinubu described the milestone as a testament to the resilience of citizens.
He paid tribute to the pro-democracy activists of the historic June 12 struggle, noting that many endured persecution, injuries, and death to secure democratic governance, and urged Nigerians to honour their sacrifices by building a stronger nation.
Addressing the severe socio-economic challenges currently facing the nation, the President acknowledged the widespread financial pain gripping households across Nigeria. “Government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” Tinubu stated, promising intensified action to ease the economic strain.
He assured the congregation that he would “double his efforts” to ensure that these difficulties are substantially reduced through the aggressive delivery of sustainable democratic dividends.
On the security front, President Tinubu labeled recent attacks and abductions across the country as painful reminders of the work left to be done, while emphasizing that the safe return of all captives remains a top priority.
He noted that security agencies are being heavily supported with the necessary resources to protect lives, secure communities, and preserve the nation’s territorial integrity.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the President also issued a stern warning against violence and divisive tactics, explicitly urging Nigerian youth not to rent out their consciences for money, drugs, political patronage, or online applause.
The high-profile Democracy Day service drew prominent dignitaries from all arms of government and society, who joined in the call for national unity, interfaith harmony, and peaceful coexistence.
Among those in attendance were Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack.
The President concluded by praising the Armed Forces and security agencies for their continued sacrifices in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sustaining democratic rule.
