In a nationwide broadcast commemorating 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, President Bola Tinubu marked the 2026 Democracy Day by honoring the heroes of the pro-democracy struggle and outlining his administration’s vision for national prosperity.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

National Honors and Institutional Recognition

President Tinubu conferred national honors upon 51 distinguished Nigerians, including media veterans, pro-democracy activists, and “soldier-democrats” who opposed military dictatorship during the June 12 struggle. Key highlights include:

• Institutional Renaming: The Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna has been renamed the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology to honor the late General’s vision of national partnership.

• Recognizing Patriots: The awards celebrate those who endured persecution and imprisonment, such as Chief Ayo Opadokun, Chief Ralph Obioha, and the late Dr. Arthur Nwankwo, as well as media icons like Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Sir Ademola Osinubi, and Dele Alake.

• Soldier-Democrats: The President recognized military officers who resisted military rule, including Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), Col. Lawan Gwadabe (retd.), Maj.-Gen. Ishola Williams (retd.), and the Etsu Nupe, Brig.-Gen. Yahaya Abubakar (retd.).

Security and Governance

Addressing recent student abductions, the President emphasized that security is a foundational requirement for democracy.

• Defense Investment: The 2026 budget allocates a record ₦5.41 trillion to defense and security, alongside the recruitment of over 50,000 police officers.

• Anti-Terror Stance: President Tinubu warned bandits and kidnappers to surrender, noting that terror-related deaths have declined by 81% since 2015, with 13,000 terrorists neutralized in the past year.

Economic Reforms and Future Outlook

Defending his administration’s economic policies, the President stated that the reforms were necessary to stabilize public finances and move the country toward economic freedom.

• Power Sector: To address the electricity crisis, the government has authorized the Presidential Power Sector Task Force to raise a ₦4 trillion bond to clear legacy debts, while the Electricity Act continues to decentralize power generation to states.

• Local Governance: The President reaffirmed his commitment to the financial autonomy of the 774 local government areas, arguing that stronger local institutions are essential for curbing rural insecurity and ensuring development reaches the grassroots.

• Message to Citizens: Emphasizing that “democracy must be felt in the pocket,” the President pledged to prioritize tackling inflation, boosting local production, and improving the quality of life for ordinary Nigerians.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has clarified that the 258 Nigerians recently evacuated from South Africa were innocent of any wrongdoing. During an appearance on Channels Television this past Thursday, NIDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa stated that the only “crime” these individuals faced was their identity as black immigrants in South Africa.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Governmental Efforts: Dabiri-Erewa expressed gratitude toward President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in securing the safe return of the 258 Nigerians to their home country.

• Corporate Support: Upon arrival, the network provider MTN provided each returnee with ₦100,000 in cash, along with ₦50,000 in airtime.

• Reintegration and State Involvement: The commission is currently focused on the reintegration process and is encouraging state governors to offer support similar to the initiative taken by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who gifted ₦1,000,000 to each returnee from his state.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has announced that official decisions regarding Nigeria’s bilateral relations with South Africa in the wake of recent unrest rest with higher authorities, such as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the President.                                                                                                                                                                                                   Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, she expressed her deep disappointment and pain over the renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians, firmly declaring that “enough is enough”.                                                                                          These remarks follow the arrival of the first group of 258 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa, who were welcomed in Lagos by government officials, including Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sola Enikanolaiye.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This evacuation was initiated by the government to ensure the safety of Nigerians facing violence, harassment, and threats.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Upon their return, these citizens are set to receive medical screenings and documentation assistance, and will be provided with temporary housing before reuniting with their families.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶