During his Democracy Day address marking 27 years of unbroken civilian rule, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced that national honours would be bestowed upon various journalists, activists, politicians, and military officers who were instrumental in the fight for democratic governance in Nigeria.
The President stated, “I am also pleased to announce national awards to the following Nigerians, who suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today.”
He explained that these awards are intended to honour the sacrifices made by those who endured imprisonment, exile, and severe hardship to restore democracy.
Among the prominent figures named for the honours are journalists and media executives such as Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Sam Omatseye, Joe Igbokwe, Gbemiga Ogunleye, Bola Bolawole, Olatunji Bello, and Tunde Fagbenle.
Also included are activists and rights campaigners like Debo Adeniran, Joe Okei-Odumakin, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Richard Akinnola, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Femi Aborisade, Louis Odion, Muyiwa Adekeye, and Ike Okonta.
The President also recognized several “soldier-democrats” who supported the June 12 movement, including Major General M.A. Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, Major General Chris Eze, Major General Harris Dzarma, Major General Joseph Oshanupin, and the Etsu Nupe, Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar. Additionally, the late Dr. Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi were honoured posthumously.
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Reflecting on the significance of June 12 as a defining moment in Nigerian history, President Tinubu paid tribute to other major heroes of the struggle, such as Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, and Frank Kokori.
The President noted that the full list of recipients will be published in the near future and urged all Nigerians to continue working toward strengthening the nation’s democratic and economic progress.
