President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made a resounding call for innovation in governance — and a surprising yet resonant appeal: “We are making agriculture more sexy,” during his Democracy Day address at the National Assembly Complex.
Tinubu called on lawmakers to draft forward-thinking legislation to drive industrial development, stimulate urban employment, and enhance food security across Nigeria.
“We are making agriculture more sexy by providing tractors,” the president said, urging the 10th National Assembly to join him in reimagining agriculture as a cornerstone of the country’s economic transformation.
Tinubu opted for a live, unscripted address instead of the customary pre-recorded broadcast. The decision was announced a day earlier by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, highlighting the administration’s intent to deepen legislative collaboration and democratic engagement.
The session commenced at noon with prayers led by both Christian and Islamic leaders, followed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s opening remarks. Akpabio lauded Tinubu’s historic contributions to democracy and praised the president’s reform agenda.
In his speech, Tinubu paid homage to the martyrs and icons of Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle — most notably, Chief MKO Abiola and his wife, Kudirat.
He also recognized living legends such as Wole Soyinka and Femi Falana, alongside late activists like Beko Ransome-Kuti and Ken Saro-Wiwa.
On the economy, Tinubu painted a cautiously optimistic picture. He emphasized that the federal government no longer borrows to pay salaries and highlighted easing inflation and a drop in food prices.
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He spotlighted youth empowerment programs including a consumer credit initiative aimed at 400,000 young Nigerians and the ongoing rollout of the Student Loan Scheme.
Importantly, the president reiterated his unwavering commitment to democratic plurality. “Nigeria will not become a one-party state,” he declared, while dismissing critics with characteristic bluntness: “Call me any name… I’m not here to make you happy—but democracy must defend your right to do so.”
Tinubu also proposed the establishment of a national museum dedicated to Nigeria’s democratic journey — a symbolic gesture to preserve the past and inspire future generations.
In a significant gesture, national honours were posthumously and presently conferred on over 50 individuals who contributed to the fight for democracy.
Responding to the address, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas commended Tinubu for directly engaging the legislature.
He noted that over 2,263 bills had been introduced in the 10th Assembly and pledged continued collaboration, especially on critical reforms such as women’s reserved seats and curbing the proliferation of illicit weapons.
As the president exited the chamber, a brief moment of rowdiness broke out, reflecting the charged atmosphere.
The Senate President adjourned the session until June 24, concluding a day that reaffirmed Nigeria’s democratic spirit — and repositioned agriculture as a vehicle for transformation.
Crediblenewsng.com
