During his Democracy Day address to the National Assembly on Thursday, President Bola Tinubu awarded national honours to dozens of prominent and posthumous figures who contributed to Nigeria’s democratic history.
In a tribute to those who stood for democracy, Tinubu acknowledged the sacrifices of many, including the late Chief Moshood Abiola’s wife, Kudirat Abiola.
“As we mark a twenty-sixth year of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who have made sacrifices in the past, braving all the odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country,” he said.
He posthumously conferred the title of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Kudirat Abiola, describing her as “the heroine of the June 12 struggle.”
The president also awarded GCFR, Nigeria’s highest honour, to late former Vice President Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and CON to former NEC chairman Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, among others.
A long list of activists, journalists, and political figures received various honours. These included Wole Soyinka, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Femi Falana (SAN), and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, who was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
In a notable move, Tinubu also posthumously honoured the Ogoni Nine, led by environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa. “I also confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON)… and I shall be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon,” Tinubu announced.
He also recognised media veteran Sam Amuka-Pemu with a CON award on the eve of his 90th birthday.
In all, more than 50 individuals—both living and deceased—were awarded for their service to democracy, civil rights, journalism, and national development.
Full list of posthumous awardee
1. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR)
2. Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON)
3. Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON)
4. Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR)
5. Pa. Alfred Rewani (CFR)
6. Bagauda Kaltho (OON)
7. Chima Ubani (OON)
8. Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON)
9. Alao Aka Bashorun (CON)
10. Chief Frank Kokori (CON)
11. Emma Ezeazu (OON)
12. Bamidele Aturu (OON)
13. Fredrick Fasehun (CON)
14. Professor Festus Iyayi (CON)
15. Dr John Yima Sen (OON)
16. Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON)
17. Dr. Edwin Madunagu (CON)
18. Dr. Alex Ibru (CON)
19. Chief Bola Ige (CFR)
20. Pa. Reuben Fasoranti (CFR)
21. Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON)
22. Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON)
23. Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON)
