President Bola Tinubu has announced national honours for prominent Nigerians as he celebrates this year’s Democracy Day.
He recently made the announcement at the National Assembly during his State of the Nation address.
Among the notable honorees are the late Kudirat Abiola, who received a posthumous Commander of the Federal Republic title, and Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, who was conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.
Also honoured posthumously were Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Ken Saro-Wiwa and other members of the Ogoni Nine.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented awards to the notable citizens in the grand chamber, praising every recipient for their commendable contributions to literature, human rights, education, journalism and public service.
Professor Wole Soyinka received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger in recognition of his incredible impact on African literature, while Professor Olatunji Dare, Kunle Ajibade, Nosa Igiebor and Dapo Olorunyomi all received CON and OON honours, for their excellence in journalism and teaching.
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and Barrister Femi Falana were also conferred with national awards for their admirable leadership and advocacy.
The President applauded their roles in shaping the country’s democratic trajectory and strengthening civic institutions.
“What these citizens have done for this nation is extraordinary.
Their dedication embodies the essence of Democracy Day and the ideals of our republic,” he said.
Here is the full list of the awardees as announced by President Tinubu:
National Honours:
- Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON)
- Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON)
- Kunle Ajibade (OON)
- Nosa Igiebor (OON)
- Dapo Olorunyomi (OON)
- Bayo Onanuga (CON)
- Ayo Obe (OON)
- Dare Babarinsa (CON)
- Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON)
- Senator Shehu Sani (CON)
- Governor Uba Sani (CON)
- Barrister Femi Falana, SAN (CON)
- Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON)
- Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON)
- Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON)
- Hon. Labaran Maku (OON)
- Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON)
- Mr Nick Dazang (OON)
- Hon Abdul Oroh (OON)
- 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)
- Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR)
- Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON)
- Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON)
- Prof. Bayo Williams (CON)
- Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR)
- Sen. Ame Ebute (CFR)
- Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu
- Ken Saro Wiwa (CON)
- Saturday Dobee (OON)
- Nordu Eawo (OON)
- Daniel Gbooko (OON)
- Paul Levera (OON)
- Felix Nuate (OON)
- Baribor Bera (OON)
- Barinem Kiobel (OON)
- John Kpuine (OON)
Posthumous National Honours:
- Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR)
- Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON)
- Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON)
- Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR)
- Pa. Alfred Rewani (CFR)
- Bagauda Kaltho (OON)
- Chima Ubani (OON)
- Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON)
- Alao Aka Bashorun (CON)
- Chief Frank Kokori (CON)
- Emma Ezeazu (OON)
- Bamidele Aturu (OON)
- Fredrick 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)
- Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON)
- Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON)
- Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).
Granting them a presidential pardon, Bola Tinubu further stressed that he exercised his powers under the prerogative of mercy because they all deserve it.
“I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State,” he added.
Folami David is a dynamic journalist who views the world through an analytical lens, translating complex narratives across multiple industries into compelling stories. With an insatiable appetite for information and a keen eye for emerging trends, Folami specializes in uncovering the interconnections between technology, business, culture, and society.
