President Tinubu Confers National Honours on Democracy Heroes, Late Activists
As part of Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day celebrations, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu honoured dozens of distinguished Nigerians with national awards, recognising both living icons and late pro-democracy activists, journalists, and civil rights leaders.
During his address at the National Assembly on Thursday, Tinubu described the honourees as “heroes and heroines of democracy,” acknowledging their sacrifices in the fight to establish and sustain democratic governance in Nigeria.
Among those posthumously honoured were Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa Alfred Rewane (CFR), Bagauda Kaltho (OON), Chima Ubani (OON), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Alao Aka-Bashorun (CON), and Chief Frank Kokori (CON).
Other late recipients included Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Senator Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Alhaja Kudirat Abiola (CON), Pa Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), Dr. Alex Ibru (CON), Dr. Edwin Madunagu (CON), Emma Ezeazu (OON), and Dr. John Yima Sen (OON).
In a significant move, the late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and the “Ogoni Nine” were also posthumously recognised with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) award. The group included Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine.
“Their voices may have been silenced, but their cause lives on. This recognition is long overdue and reflects our commitment to justice and reconciliation,” Tinubu stated.
Prominent living awardees included Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), veteran journalist Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu (CON), who turns 90 on June 13, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON).
Other honourees recognised for their contributions to journalism, activism, and nation-building were Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), Kunle Ajibade (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Nosa Igiebor (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Seye Kehinde (OON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), and Odia Ofeimun (CON).
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Prof. Segun Gbadegesin, Barrister Ledum Mitee, and Hon. Olawale Osun were also among the distinguished recipients.
President Tinubu praised the honourees for their unwavering commitment to democracy, even in the face of adversity. “These men and women stood with the people during difficult, risky, and unpopular times. Their courage and resilience have kept democracy alive in Nigeria,” he said.
Reflecting on 26 years of unbroken democracy, Tinubu urged Nigerians to uphold the freedoms secured through sacrifice. “We must defend, deepen, and deliver the promise of democracy to every citizen,” he concluded.
The awards ceremony was a highlight of the June 12 celebrations, marking the anniversary of Nigeria’s historic 1993 presidential election—widely regarded as the freest and fairest poll in the country’s history, though annulled by the military regime at the time.