President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given national honours to over 80 Nigerians, both alive and late, as part of this year’s Democracy Day celebrations. He made the announcement during his first-ever State of the Nation address.
Speaking at the joint session of the National Assembly on June 12, Tinubu marked 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria. It was a moment to remember the country’s long struggle for freedom and justice.
One of the major announcements was the full pardon granted to the Ogoni Nine, a group of environmental activists who were executed in 1995. Tinubu also used the occasion to honour important figures in the pro-democracy movement, including MKO Abiola, his wife Kudirat Abiola, and Ken Saro-Wiwa.
Kudirat Abiola was honoured with the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) award. She played a key role in fighting against military rule and was tragically killed because of her activism. Tinubu described her as a brave “heroine” of the June 12 struggle.
Also honoured was Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, who received the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR)—Nigeria’s highest award usually given to presidents. He was recognised for pushing against military rule and fighting for democratic change.
Other late democracy heroes also received awards. These include Professor Humphrey Nwosu, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Pa Alfred Rewane, Bagauda Kaltho, Chima Ubani, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chief Alao Aka-Bashorun, and Chief Frank Kokori. All of them contributed to the country’s democratic progress.
The President also recognised many civil rights defenders, journalists, and unionists who died while standing for justice and democracy.
Some of the names on the honour list included Emma Ezeazu, Bamidele Aturu, Fredrick Fasehun, Professor Festus Iyayi, Dr. John Yima Sen, Alhaja Gambo Sawaba, Dr. Edwin Madunagu, Dr. Alex Ibru, Chief Bola Ige, and others.
In a show of national unity, Tinubu also honoured Ken Saro-Wiwa and the eight other activists known as the Ogoni Nine. They were sentenced to death during the military government of General Sani Abacha for fighting for the rights of the Ogoni people.
Ken Saro-Wiwa was given the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), while the rest—Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine—each received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Tinubu went further by promising to use his presidential powers to grant a full state pardon to the Ogoni Nine and other similar cases. He said the full list of names would be released after talks with the National Council of State.
Living Nigerians who have played a major role in defending democracy were also celebrated. Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), while Professor Olatunji Dare was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Other journalists were not left out. Kunle Ajibade, Nosa Igiebor, Dapo Olorunyomi, Bayo Onanuga, Ayo Obe, Dare Babarinsa, and Seye Kehinde all received national honours for their work in defending press freedom and democracy.
Human rights lawyers and activists like Femi Falana (SAN), Felix Morka, Ledum Mitee, and Professor Shafideen Amuwo were also recognised for their contributions.
The honour list also included Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Honourable Labaran Maku, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Nick Dazang, Abdul Oroh, Barrister Luke Aghanenu, poet Odia Ofeimun, Hon. Olawale Osun, Dr. Amos Akingba, and Professor Segun Gbadegesin.
Others who received national honours were Professor Julius Ihonvbere, Professor Bayo Williams, Senator Abu Ibrahim, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Dr. Kayode Shonoiki, and Senator Ameh Ebute—all recognised for their service and leadership.
Veteran journalist and founder of Vanguard Newspapers, Sam Amuka Pemu, was also honoured with a CON title, just a day before turning 90 years old.
