President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on a distinguished group of Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to democracy, human rights, and nation-building, with special focus on the June 12 democratic struggle.
The announcement, made during the Democracy Day celebrations on Thursday, included both living and posthumous recipients. Among those honoured were Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), and Catholic Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, each receiving accolades for their longstanding dedication to justice and national development.
One of the most symbolic recognitions was the posthumous award of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) to Kudirat Abiola, a prominent voice in the fight to validate the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. Other posthumous honourees included Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), and Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), along with the Ogoni Nine, who were granted full presidential pardons for their activism.
Living recipients of the national awards also include Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), Kunle Ajibade (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), and veteran journalist Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu (CON), who celebrates his 90th birthday on June 13.
Other honoured individuals include Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Prof. Shafideen Amuwo, Barr. Ledum Mitee, Hon. Labaran Maku, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, and Mobolaji Akinyemi, with awards ranging from Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) to Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
President Tinubu also formally decorated leaders of the National Assembly who had been conferred honours in 2023. These include Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas (both GCON), along with Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu (both CFR).
What you should know
President Tinubu’s national honours list for Democracy Day highlights key figures in Nigeria’s fight for democracy, including civil rights champions, journalists, and pro-democracy activists. The awards aim to preserve the legacy of the June 12 movement while acknowledging the roles played by both past and present patriots in shaping Nigeria’s democratic path.
