Federal Government Urged To Empower 200M Nigerians In Honor Of Democracy Day

Federal Government To Urged Empower 200M Nigerians In Honor Of Democracy Day

Federal Government has come under growing pressure from civil society groups to show stronger commitment to the welfare of Nigeria’s 200 million citizens.

On Democracy Day, the Civil Society Coalition on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI) sent a powerful message. The group urged the government to stop turning a blind eye to people’s suffering and start showing real care through policies that help everyday Nigerians.

Kunle Yusuff, who leads the coalition, used the national holiday to speak directly to those in power. He praised Nigerians for their resilience and reminded them of what Democracy Day truly means — a time to reflect, not just celebrate.

“Today, we celebrate Democracy Day, a milestone in our nation’s journey towards freedom, justice, and equality. We commend the resilience of our people and the progress made so far,” Yusuff said.

But he didn’t stop at praise. Yusuff called on President Bola Tinubu to step up. He urged him to instruct all government appointees to listen to the cries of the people, especially when planning budgets and programs.

“We urge Mr. President to direct all his appointees to prioritize the welfare of the masses, listening to their cries, and addressing their needs while planning their budget and implementation. There must be deliberate needs assessment and people-centered policies,” the coalition said in a statement.

The message was simple and urgent — stop the empty promises and start delivering results that matter.

The coalition, which brings together several grassroots civil society groups across the country, believes Nigeria’s democracy should mean more than elections and speeches. It should improve lives.

They emphasized that leadership without compassion or accountability breaks the very promise of democracy.

“Democracy is not just about casting a vote. It’s about the government working for the people every single day,” one coalition member noted.

The group also had strong words for government institutions like INEC and security agencies. They called on them to carry out their responsibilities with honesty and transparency.

“We call on INEC, security agencies, and all stakeholders to uphold justice, fairness, and integrity in their duties. We encourage accredited CSOs to continue monitoring elections, promoting transparency, and holding leaders accountable,” the coalition said.

CSCHEI believes that democracy must be guarded not only by laws but also by active citizens who care about what happens in their communities.

They encouraged all Nigerians to stay hopeful and stay involved. According to them, this is how change begins — not in silence, but in action.

“We appeal to Nigerians to take pride in their nation, embracing its diversity and potential. Let us put Nigeria first, working together towards a brighter future for all,” Yusuff added.

He urged citizens to push for real reforms that serve everyone, not just a few in high places. The coalition sees Democracy Day as more than a symbol — it’s a wake-up call to both the leaders and the people.

They pointed out that Democracy Day marks the legacy of June 12, 1993 — a day Nigerians voted for change. That vote led the country away from military rule and towards civil governance.

“Democracy Day is a moment to reflect on our progress and challenges, to promote democratic values and institutions, and to encourage civic engagement and electoral participation. It reminds us that democracy is not a destination but a journey that requires the commitment of citizens, leaders, and institutions,” said Yusuff.

He said the journey can’t succeed unless everyone walks it together — from the presidency to the poorest neighborhoods.

CSCHEI’s vision is clear: A Nigeria where every voice counts, where every child can dream, and where leaders act with integrity and compassion.

The coalition said it was proud of how far Nigeria has come but insisted there’s still a long road ahead. Too many Nigerians still struggle to find food, jobs, or access to health care. This, they argue, is not the democracy they hoped for.

They challenged the Federal Government to shift focus from politics to people. “If the government truly respects democracy, it must put the people first — not last,” the coalition emphasized.

This call comes at a time when many Nigerians feel left behind. Inflation is rising, jobs are scarce, and insecurity continues to shake communities. For the average person, survival has become a daily challenge.

In the face of all this, CSCHEI says the solution lies in reconnecting governance with real human needs. That means planning budgets that touch every home — not just urban centers or elite corridors.

They also highlighted the need for deliberate listening. “Government must sit down with the people — not just speak to them,” Yusuff insisted. He said policies must grow from the ground up, based on what people actually need.

The coalition believes this people-first approach will heal some of the country’s deep wounds. It will build trust, they said, and inspire new faith in the promise of democracy.

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They encouraged Nigerians not to give up. Instead, they asked citizens to rise, vote, speak, and organize.

“By celebrating Democracy Day, Nigerians reaffirm their commitment to democratic principles and strive for a better future. Let’s all be patriotic,” CSCHEI concluded.

They made it clear that real patriotism means holding leaders accountable. It means not settling for less when more is possible.

As Democracy Day passes, their message remains: Nigeria belongs to everyone. Its leaders must lead with heart, and its people must keep pushing for the nation they deserve.