By Zainab Rauf, Abuja In a historic Democracy Day gesture, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on a disti...
By Zainab Rauf, Abuja
In a historic Democracy Day gesture, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on a distinguished list of democracy activists, journalists, civil society leaders, and political figures in recognition of their selfless contributions to Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
The honourees include late and living figures who played pivotal roles in resisting military rule, advocating for civil liberties, and shaping Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Among the posthumous recipients are General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, both awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) — Nigeria’s second highest national honour. Also posthumously honoured is Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, martyred in the struggle for the actualization of the June 12 mandate, who was conferred with the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).
Other notable honourees include:
Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, awarded Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)
Rear Admiral Ndubisi Kanu, former military governor and pro-democracy activist (CON)
Alhaji Balarabe Musa, former Governor of Kaduna State (CFR)
Hajiya Gambo Sawaba, renowned female activist (CON)
Media icons and journalists also featured prominently. Veteran editor Kunle Ajibade, Premium Times publisher Dapo Olorunyomi, TheNEWS co-founder Bayo Onanuga, and the respected columnist Uncle Sam Amuka were among those honoured.
Others awarded include:
Ayo Obe, rights advocate and legal icon (OON)
Dare Babarinsa, journalist and publisher (CON)
Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, cleric and social critic (CON)
Senator Shehu Sani, activist and former political prisoner (CON)
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, a former democracy campaigner (CON)
Labaran Maku, journalist and former minister (OON)
Mr Nick Dazang, former INEC official and media practitioner (OON)
Senator Abu Ibrahim, pro-democracy politician (CFR)
Speaking at the investiture ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, President Tinubu described the honourees as "torchbearers of Nigeria’s democratic conscience," praising their sacrifices in the face of oppression and persecution.
“This is not just a roll call of names,” Tinubu said. “It is a tribute to courage, resilience, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit that fought for the freedom we now enjoy.”
The awards come on the 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s return to civilian rule and mark a significant moment in the country’s ongoing recognition of its democratic champions.
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