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VENO TV: "Criticise Me, Disagree With Me, But Never Stop Believing in Nigeria" — President Tinubu Confers National Honours on 50 Nigerians on June 12
Date: 12-06-26

By Kayode Adoide

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their belief in the nation despite challenges, declaring that criticism and disagreement are vital elements of democracy but should never erode faith in Nigeria's future.
Speaking during his nationwide Democracy Day broadcast on June 12, 2026, the President also announced the conferment of national honours on 50 distinguished Nigerians who played significant roles in the struggle for democracy.
According to Tinubu, the sacrifices made by the heroes of June 12 laid the foundation for the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
"Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria," the President declared.
The President emphasized that while the generation of Nigeria's founding fathers secured independence and the generation of June 12 secured democracy, the responsibility of the current generation is to secure economic prosperity for all Nigerians.
Honouring Heroes of Democracy
President Tinubu paid glowing tributes to late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori and several other democracy advocates.
As part of the commemoration, the Federal Government approved the revitalisation and renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as the General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology in honour of the late General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua.
Among those listed for national honours are:
Dele Alake
Joe Igbokwe
Olatunji Bello
Debo Adeniran
Ayo Opadokun
Richard Akinnola
Joe Okei-Odumakin
Major-General Ishola Williams (Rtd)
Babajide Kolade-Otitoju
Gbemiga Ogunleye
Muyiwa Adekeye
Sam Omatseye
Bola Bolawole
Several military officers who participated in the pro-democracy struggle were also recognised, including Col. Sambo Dasuki, Col. Lawan Gwadabe, Major-General M.A. Garba and Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa.
Security and Economy
Addressing insecurity, Tinubu disclosed that over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised within the past year, while more than 124,000 fighters and their dependents have surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023.
He revealed that the 2026 Budget allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security, the highest in Nigeria's history, while over 50,000 new police officers are being recruited to strengthen internal security.
The President also highlighted gains recorded through his administration's economic reforms, noting improvements in fiscal transparency, increased federation revenue, growth in non-oil exports, expansion of domestic refining capacity and investments in agriculture, energy, technology and manufacturing.
Democracy Must Reach Every Home
Tinubu stressed that democracy should not exist only in theory but must be reflected in the daily lives of citizens.
"Democracy must be felt in the pocket," he said.
He reiterated his administration's commitment to local government autonomy, infrastructure development, job creation, improved electricity supply and economic opportunities for young Nigerians.
A Call for Unity
The President urged Nigerians to reject division, cynicism and despair, insisting that the nation's diversity remains its greatest strength.
"The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us that Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break."
He concluded by calling on citizens to renew their commitment to the ideals of democracy and ensure that the sacrifices of the nation's heroes are not in vain.
"The generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity."

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