By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Tinubu has urged young Nigerians to remain in the country and contribute to national development, insisting that their future is secure at home.
Speaking in his Democracy Day broadcast on Friday, Tinubu called on youths to “build here, code here, work here, and vote here,” stressing that nation-building requires commitment from those who stay to solve challenges rather than leave.
“Nigeria is your home and your future… Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship,” he said.
The President said his administration is implementing reforms aimed at addressing long-standing national challenges, particularly in the power sector, where he noted persistent generation and distribution shortfalls.
Tinubu recalled that he signed the Electricity Act, which empowers states to participate in power generation, transmission, and distribution, adding that a Presidential Power Sector Task Force is working to reduce the metering gap and manage legacy debts.
He also disclosed plans to raise a N4 trillion bond to settle verified arrears in the sector, while noting ongoing efforts by the Rural Electrification Agency, supported by the World Bank and African Development Bank, to expand off-grid and mini-grid electricity to underserved communities, including schools, markets and hospitals.
“Electricity is a democratic dividend we owe every Nigerian. We intend to deliver it,” he said.
On the economy, Tinubu acknowledged prevailing hardship but maintained that his administration’s reforms are beginning to yield results. He said efforts are focused on reducing inflation, boosting food production, creating jobs, and improving living standards.
“We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home and community,” he said, adding that democracy must translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ welfare.
