Nigeria Is Your Home, Stay And Build Your Future Here— President Tinubu Urges Youths
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian youths to resist the temptation of seeking opportunities abroad at the expense of their country, insisting that Nigeria remains their home and the place where they must build their future.
The president made the appeal on Friday in his 2026 Democracy Day address to the nation, where he called on young Nigerians to contribute actively to national development through innovation, hard work, civic engagement, and participation in the democratic process.
Addressing the country's youth population, Tinubu said Nigeria’s progress depends largely on the commitment of its younger generation to remain and solve the nation’s challenges.
“To our young people: Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here,” the President declared.
He added, “Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship.”
Tinubu also paid tribute to members of the armed forces, the police, and intelligence agencies for their efforts in safeguarding the country, describing their sacrifices as vital to the preservation of peace and democracy.
“To our armed forces, police, and intelligence services: Nigeria salutes your sacrifice,” he said.
The president further acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community heads in promoting peace and national unity across the country.
“Thank you for your support of peace and reconciliation. The government cannot do it alone,” he stated.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Tinubu honoured citizens who played significant roles in the struggle for democratic governance, including those who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and even death in pursuit of freedom.
“Today, we honour the resilience of Nigerians who refused to surrender their faith in freedom and the courage of those who stood firm against intimidation,” he said.
“We pay tribute to patriots who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and even death so that future generations could enjoy democracy.”
President Tinubu specifically commended labour leaders, journalists, activists, students, women, professionals, political leaders, and military personnel for their contributions to the growth and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.
Despite celebrating democratic gains, Tinubu acknowledged the pain caused by the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states, noting that the incidents had cast a shadow over this year’s Democracy Day observance.
“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return,” he said.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, the President stressed that democracy cannot thrive without adequate security.
“Democracy without security is not solid enough,” Tinubu stated.
He disclosed that the Federal Government had declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 additional police officers, alongside thousands of military recruits, to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
According to him, the 2026 national budget allocates a record N5.41 trillion to defence and security, reflecting the administration’s determination to protect lives and property.
“Our 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion—our largest ever—to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people,” the president said.
Tinubu maintained that while challenges remain, his government remains committed to building a safer, more prosperous, and democratic Nigeria for all citizens.