President Bola Tinubu on Friday, June 12, conferred national honours on 50 prominent Nigerians, describing them as key figures in the nation's pro-democracy struggle. The announcement was made during his nationwide address marking Democracy Day, which commemorates the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Honourees Recognized for Sacrifices
In his address, Tinubu praised the recipients, stating that they suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and solitary confinement to ensure Nigeria's democracy. The list includes journalists, civil rights leaders, and senior military officers who fought against military dictatorship.
Formal Conferment Pending
The president noted that the formal presentation and conferment of the awards would take place in the coming days.
Full List of Awardees
Civilian 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 Obiora
- 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 (Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom)
- Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus
- Col J Okai
- Col Emmanuel Ndubueze
- Lt Col Yakubu Muazu
- Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar (Current Etsu Nupe, already holder of CFR title)
The president stated that the full honours list would be released in the next few days.
