President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration will step up efforts to ease the economic hardship facing citizens while remaining resolute in tackling insecurity and securing the release of all persons held captive across the country.
The assurance was given by Tinubu in a message delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, at the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held on Sunday in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
The service which was held under the theme, “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams”, was attended by prominent government officials, religious leaders and other dignitaries.
Others present were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Didi Walson-Jack.
Akume told Nigerians that the 27 years of unbroken democratic rule since 1999 is a tribute to their resilience, commitment and sacrifices in the struggle for the restoration of democracy.
He paid tribute to pro-democracy activists and patriots of the June 12 struggle, saying many suffered persecution, injuries and death in the quest for democratic governance.
The SGF said the President was still committed to fulfilling his constitutional responsibility and would double his efforts to ensure that the socio-economic challenges facing Nigerians were substantially reduced through the delivery of sustainable democratic dividends.
He knew the hardship faced by many households, including insecurity, kidnappings and displacement in some communities.
“Government is sensitive to all these pains. Government shares in these pains. Government has heard you cries,” Akume said.
He says Tinubu is leading efforts to address the challenges with empathy and a strong sense of responsibility.
On security, the SGF said the safety of Nigerians remained the top priority of the Federal Government, noting that the recent attacks and abductions were painful reminders that more work needed to be done.
He assured citizens that the safe return of all persons in captivity remains a national priority, adding that security agencies were being provided with the necessary support and resources to protect lives and property.
He said, “The government will never bow to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation.
As political activities slowly pick pace ahead of the 2027 general elections, Akume has urged Nigerians to shun violence, hate campaigns and divisive rhetoric.
He also cautioned young people against involvement in thuggery, political violence, misinformation, ethnic abuse and religious intolerance.
“Don’t sell your conscience for money, drugs, political patronage or online applause. “Your future is more valuable than any politician’s convenience,” he said.
With the country preparing for another round of elections, the SGF called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the media and families to encourage tolerance, peaceful coexistence and responsible behaviour.
He renewed Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance, interfaith harmony and peaceful engagement with the international community, assuring that Nigeria’s democratic institutions were strong and resilient in the face of current challenges.
Akume lauded members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices in defending the nation and sustaining democratic rule.
He called on Nigerians to honor the sacrifices of the heroes of June 12 by working for a country where elections are peaceful, leaders are accountable, communities are safe and citizens live with dignity.
