As part of the commemoration of democracy day, the Nigerian government has awarded national honours to fifty Nigerians.
The honours were conferred on the recipients for their roles and contributions in the pro-democracy struggle and fight against the military rule.
The conferment of the national honour was announced by President Bola Tinubu on Friday during his Democracy Day address to Nigerians.
The president acknowledged and praised journalists, civil rights activists, political leaders and military officers who played significant roles in the campaign for the restoration of democratic governance in Nigeria.
Tinubu described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s history, noting that it represents far more than an election, and remains a pivotal chapter in the nation’s democratic journey.
“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 said.
He stated that Nigerians who currently enjoy the benefits of democracy have a responsibility to strengthen the institutions established through the sacrifices of pro-democracy campaigners.
“As beneficiaries of their struggle, we have a duty to strengthen and deepen the democratic institutions for which they fought. The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable,” he said.
The president further noted that the June 12, 1993, presidential election demonstrated the possibility of national unity and a truly inclusive Nigerian nation.
“June 12, 1993, revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation. The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom. Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives—in opportunities for youth, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs, and the dignity of our workers.
“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,” he added.
Tinubu said the recipients of the 2026 Democracy Day national honours were persecuted, imprisoned, exiled, and suffered other forms of hardship, victimisation, and dehumanisation in their struggle for democratic governance.
According to him, many of the awardees paid heavy personal prices to ensure that democracy survived in the country.
The president said: “They suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today.”
He added that a comprehensive breakdown of the national honours and their respective categories would be released in the coming days
Full List of Honourees
Pro-Democracy Activists, Journalists and Civil Society Leaders
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 M.A. Garba
Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa
Colonel Umar Farouk Ahmed
Colonel Sambo Dasuki
Colonel Lawan Gwadabe
Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong
Colonel Musa Shehu
Major General Chris Eze
Major General Harris Dzarma
Colonel Isa Jibrin
Major General Joseph Oshanupin
Colonel Olusegun Oloruntoba (Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom)
Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus
Colonel J. Okai
Colonel Emmanuel Ndubueze
Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Muazu
Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the current Etsu Nupe and holder of the CFR title.
The president noted that the complete honours list, including the categories of awards conferred on each recipient, would be made public in the coming days.
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