President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on 50 Nigerians, including journalists, activists and military officers, for their contributions to Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on 50 Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to the pro-democracy struggle that paved the way for the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria.
According to DAILY POST, the awards were announced on Friday as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
The honourees include journalists, civil rights activists, political leaders and military officers who played significant roles in resisting military rule and advancing democratic governance.
Describing June 12 as a historic milestone, Tinubu said: “June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story.”
The President noted that many of the award recipients endured imprisonment, persecution, exile and other hardships during the democracy struggle, adding that their sacrifices helped secure the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
Among those honoured are Joe Igbokwe, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Richard Akinnola, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine and the late Dr Arthur Nwankwo.
The list also features a special category of “Soldier-Democrats” comprising military officers who opposed military dictatorship and supported democratic reforms.
Honourees:
Barrister Ayoka Lawani; Tunde Fagbenle; Oladele Alake; Olatunji Bello; Louis Odion; Segun Babatope; Sam Omatseye; Sir Ademola Osinubi; Bola Bolawole; Lade Bonuola; Femi Kusa; Debo Adeniran; Chief Ayo Opadokun; Chief Ralph Obioha; Ose Osayande; Barrister Osa Director; Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine; Dr Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous); Dr Osagie Obayuwana; Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin; Barrister Titus Mann; Joe Igbokwe; Richard Akinnola; Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous); George Mbah; Dr Niran Malaolu; Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd); Femi Aborisade; Jenkins Alumona; Gbemiga Ogunleye; Muyiwa Adekeye; Babajide Kolade-Otitoju; Ike Okonta.
Soldier-Democrats: Major General MA Garba; Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa; Col Umar Farouk Ahmed; Col Sambo Dasuki; Col Lawan Gwadabe; Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong; Col Musa Shehu; Major General Chris Eze; Major General Harris Dzarma; Col Isa Jibrin; Maj. General Joseph Oshanupin; Col Olusegun Oloruntoba; Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus; Col J Okai; Col Emmanuel Ndubueze; Lt Col Yakubu Muazu.
Tinubu said the full honours list and award categories will be released in the coming days.
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