BY SAM OTUONYE
The federal government has described Nigeria’s democratic journey as huge and viable but remains a work in progress, 27 years after practicing democratic governance.
In his keynote address, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Senator George Akume, who represented the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the World Press Conference on Tuesday June, 9, ahead of 2026 June 12, Democracy Day, in Abuja, congratulated Nigerians on their resilience and loyalty in the face of daunting challenges, noting that the country is a huge and viable project.
“Let me begin by congratulating Nigerians for experiencing 27 uninterrupted years of democracy. Your resilience and determination have made this achievement possible. You have remained patriotic and loyal, even in the face of challenges—challenges that have preparatory for a new dawn.
“The message from government today is straightforward. This administration wishes to let all recognize the fact that Nigeria is a huge, viable project, and it is work in progress. The government, though with all hands on deck, would never claim that every challenge has been solved. In fact, no government ever solves every challenge. While we pursue various reforms diligently, with purpose and with compassion, government recognizes that inflation has been painful, although it is on a downward trend. Government is similarly conscious of the fact that insecurity still threatens lives and livelihoods, and that the effects of reform will not land even where you desire results immediately.”
He said that President Tinubu was feeling the pains and putting several reforms in place towards addressing them.
The SGF noted that June 12 is not merely a date on the nation’s calendar but a reminder that democracy carries both memory and mandate. “It is memory because we honour the sacrifices that secure the people’s voice, and it is mandate because every democratic government must testify public trust through tangible improvement in the lives of the citizens.”
The Minister of information, Mr Mohammed Idris spoke on the essence of the event, recalling the role of Alhaji Moshood Abiola played in building a resilient democratic principle, noting that his commitment to democratic ideals remains an inspiration to generations of Nigerians wherever they are.
Today’s press conference has been organised to provide Nigerians and the international community with an overview of the administration’s journey over the past three years, look at the milestones achieved, the challenges encountered, and the vision that continues to guide the government’s efforts in delivering on the Renewed Hope agenda.
“Democracy Day occupies a unique place in our national calendar, provides an opportunity for us to reflect on our democratic journey, celebrate the resilience of our institutions, and honour the sacrifices of patriots who stood firm in the struggle for democratic governance in our nation. As we gather here today, we pay tribute to the memory and enduring legacy of Basharu Moshood Kashamawo Olawale Abiola, popularly known as MKO.
“It is his commitment to democratic ideals that remains an inspiration to generations of Nigerians wherever they find themselves. We also acknowledge the many Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who played significant roles in the pro-democracy movement and contributed to the restoration of democratic rule in our country.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, in his presentation connected the livestock ecosystem with democratic values and Nigeria’s prosperity, noting that investment in livestock sector in a democratic dispensation would unlock new opportunities for youth, pastoralists, farmers, processors, and investors.
“One of the major gains of this democratic period is the renewed focus on food security, job creation, and wealth creation through agriculture and livestock. Agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s economy and rural life, contributing significantly to national output and employing a large share of the labour force. Its value is not only in producing food but also in supporting livelihoods, trade, processing, transport, market, and small businesses across rural communities.
“Livestock is more than cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, dairy, and reared beef production. It is a major pillar for rural development: nutrition, employment, entrepreneurship, and household income. With better investment in animal health, pasture development, ranching and grazing resorts, feed production, veterinary services, cold chains, processing, and market access, livestock can unlock new opportunities for youth, pastoralists, farmers, processors, and investors under this democratic dispensation. And this is exactly what we are witnessing in this country today.
“Most importantly, livestock development can also contribute to peace and security. A modern, well-managed livestock system can reduce pressure over land and water, promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and others, create structured economic opportunities, and strengthen rural stability. Under this regime, today we are aggressively pursuing national ranching policy. That is also an expression of democratic gains under this regime.”
He gave the statistics of existing livestock in this: 50 million cows, 9.3 million pigs, 680 million poultry birds, 120 million sheep—sorry, goats—70 million sheep, 400,000 camels, and 1.3 million donkeys.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Prof. Joseph Utsev, as well as Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari, also took turns to speak about the achievements of their Ministries since the inception of President Tinubu’s administration.
