As part of the Democracy Day commemorations, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday conferred national honours on several distinguished Nigerians, recognizing their contributions to the nation’s democratic development, human rights advocacy, and public service.
The announcement was made during the President’s State of the Nation address delivered at the National Assembly in Abuja.
Among those honoured posthumously was the late Kudirat Abiola, who received the title of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR). Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, was awarded the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
Also recognised were the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (awarded GCFR), Ken Saro-Wiwa, and other members of the Ogoni Nine, who received various national honours. President Tinubu also granted posthumous presidential pardons to them and noted that additional names would be announced in consultation with the National Council of State.
Full List of National Honour Recipients:
- Kudirat Abiola – CFR
- Shehu Musa Yar’Adua – GCFR
- Prof. Humphrey Nwosu – CON
- Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu – CON
- Alhaji Balarabe Musa – CFR
- Pa Alfred Rewane – 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
- Prof. 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
- Senator Ayo Fasanmi – CON
- Senator Polycarp Nwite – CON
- Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo – CON
- 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
- Prof. A. Bolaji Akinyemi – CFR
- Dr. Kayode Shonoiki – CON
- Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – CON
- Prof. Bayo Williams – CON
- Senator Abu Ibrahim – CFR
- Senator Ameh Ebute – CFR
- Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu – CON
- 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
President Tinubu concluded, stating:
“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.”
The honours form part of a broader effort by the administration to recognise those who have sacrificed and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s democratic evolution and national development.
