President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on several Nigerians, including late democracy activists, public servants, journalists, and human rights advocates.
He made the announcement during his Democracy Day speech at a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday, June 12.
Tinubu said the recognition was to appreciate those who made sacrifices for Nigeria’s democracy. “As we mark a twenty-sixth year of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who have made sacrifices in the past,” he said. “They braved all the odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country.”
Kudirat Abiola, Shehu Yar’Adua, Others Get Posthumous Awards
Among those honoured was Kudirat Abiola, the late wife of Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election. Tinubu described her as “the heroine of the June 12 struggle” and conferred on her the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) posthumously.
Late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua received the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), while Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who chaired the defunct National Electoral Commission, got the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Others who received posthumous awards include Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa Alfred Rewane (CFR), journalist Bagauda Kaltho (OON), activist Chima Ubani (OON), Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Alao Aka-Bashorun (CON), and Chief Frank Kokori (CON).
Also honoured were Emma Ezeazu (OON), Bamidele Aturu (OON), Dr. Frederick Fasehun (CON), Professor Festus Iyayi (CON), Dr John Yima Sen (OON), Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON), Dr Edwin Madunagu (CON), Dr Alex Ibru (CON), Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Pa Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), Senator Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Senator Polycarp Nwite (CON), and Dr Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).
Wole Soyinka, Femi Falana, Kukah, Others Honoured
President Tinubu also honoured several living Nigerians for their contributions to democracy, media, and human rights. Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese also received the CON award.
Other recipients include Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), journalist Kunle Ajibade (OON), Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), and Senator Shehu Sani (CON).
Governor Uba Sani (CON), Professor Shafideen Amuwo (CON), Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON), Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), Hon. Labaran Maku (OON), Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), Mr. Nick Dazang (OON), and Hon. Abdul Oroh (OON) also received honours.
Others include Odia Ofeimun (CON), Seye Kehinde (OON), Barrister Felix Morka (CON), Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON), Hon. Olawale Osun (CON), Dr. Amos Akingba (CON), Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON), Prof. Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR), Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON), Prof. Bayo Williams (CON), Senator Abu Ibrahim (CFR), and Senator Ameh Ebute (CFR).
Ogoni Nine Granted National Honours and Presidential Pardon
The President also honoured the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and other members of the Ogoni Nine. Saro-Wiwa, an environmental activist and writer, led the campaign against oil pollution in Ogoniland. He and his colleagues were executed in 1995 under the military regime of Gen. Sani Abacha.
Tinubu conferred the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on Ken Saro-Wiwa. The other eight — Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine — were each awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
“I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon,” the President stated. He said more names would be announced later with input from the National Council of State.
Sam Amuka Pemu Honoured on His 90th Birthday
President Tinubu also recognised Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, a respected journalist and publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, with a CON award. Amuka Pemu, who turns 90 on June 13, remains an influential voice in Nigeria’s media industry.
“He remains true to his lifetime calling,” Tinubu said, as he praised Amuka Pemu for his service to journalism and Nigeria.
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