Journalists, activists, pro-democracy campaigners make honours list
President says current generation must secure economic prosperity for Nigerians
By Peter Taiwo
President Bola Tinubu on Friday conferred national honours on 50 Nigerians in recognition of their roles in the struggle for the restoration and sustenance of democratic governance in Nigeria.
The honours were announced during the 2026 Democracy Day celebration in Abuja, where the President paid glowing tribute to journalists, civil rights activists, politicians and military officers who stood against military dictatorship and fought for democratic rule.
Tinubu described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s history, saying the sacrifices made by the heroes of the democratic struggle laid the foundation for the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
According to him, June 12 represents more than an election, noting that it remains a sacred symbol of the nation’s collective aspiration for justice, freedom and accountable governance.
The President said many of those honoured endured persecution, detention, exile, harassment and other forms of hardship in their quest to ensure that democracy prevailed in the country.
“June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story,” Tinubu stated.
He noted that the beneficiaries of the June 12 struggle have a responsibility to strengthen democratic institutions and uphold the values for which the nation’s heroes fought.
The President stressed that the greatest tribute Nigerians can pay to the heroes of democracy is to build a nation where freedom is protected, justice is guaranteed and opportunities are available to all citizens.
Tinubu recalled that the June 12, 1993 presidential election demonstrated the possibility of national unity and a truly democratic Nigeria.
He said while the heroes of June 12 secured political freedom, the responsibility of the present generation is to secure economic freedom and prosperity for all Nigerians.
According to him, democracy must translate into improved living conditions, greater opportunities for young people, better fortunes for farmers and entrepreneurs, and dignity for workers across the country.
“Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence; the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity,” the President declared.
Among those honoured were veteran journalists, pro-democracy activists and public intellectuals who played significant roles during the military era.
Prominent names on the list include Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Joe Igbokwe, Sam Omatseye, Bola Bolawole, Richard Akinnola, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju and Gbemiga Ogunleye.
Also honoured were civil society leaders such as Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Debo Adeniran, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine and Femi Aborisade.
The President equally recognised several individuals posthumously for their contributions to the democratic struggle.
They include Dr Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi, both of whom were acknowledged for their roles in advancing democratic ideals in Nigeria.
Tinubu also reserved a special category for military officers described as “Soldier-Democrats” who opposed authoritarian rule and supported democratic governance.
Those listed under the category include Major General M.A. Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, Major General Chris Eze and Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the current Etsu Nupe.
Others are Colonel Umar Farouk Ahmed, Colonel Musa Shehu, Colonel Isa Jibrin, Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus and Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Muazu.
The President noted that the recognition was intended to preserve the memory of those who made sacrifices for democracy and inspire future generations to defend democratic values.
He assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to deepening democracy, strengthening institutions and promoting good governance.
Tinubu further stated that the complete honours list and details of the national awards would be released in the coming days.
The announcement formed one of the highlights of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, which commemorates the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.
Political observers have described the honours as a significant acknowledgement of the contributions made by individuals and groups that resisted military rule and championed democratic governance in the country.
Many of the award recipients have continued to play active roles in public service, journalism, civil society advocacy and nation-building years after the return to democratic rule.
The recognition, stakeholders say, serves as a reminder that the struggle for democracy required courage, resilience and unwavering commitment to the ideals of justice and freedom.
