Tinubu Confers National Honours on Democracy Champions(FULL LIST)

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has bestowed national honours on a distinguished group of Nigerians—living and posthumous—in recognition of their contributions to the country’s democratic journey. The ceremony took place on Thursday during his address at the National Assembly in Abuja.

Posthumous Honours
The late champions of democracy honoured include:

• GCFR/CON/CFR/CFR: Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa Alfred Rewani (CFR)

• OON/OON/CON/CON: Bagauda Kaltho (OON), Chima Ubani (OON), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Alao Aka Bashorun (CON)

• CON/CON/OON/OON/CON/CON: Chief Frank Kokori (CON), Emma Ezeazu (OON), Bamidele Aturu (OON), Frederick Fasehun (CON), Prof. Festus Iyayi (CON)

• OON/OON/CON/CON/CON/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)

• CON/CON: Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON), Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON)

President Tinubu further granted posthumous honours to the late Ogoni leader Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON) alongside his fellow activists Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine—all receiving the OON. He also announced he will exercise his prerogative of mercy to grant them full pardons, with additional names to follow in consultation with the National Council of State.

Honours for Living Citizens
Among the living recipients are:

• GCON/CON/OON: Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), Kunle Ajibade (OON)

• OON/OON/CON: Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON)

• OON/CON: Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON)

• CON/CON: Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Sen. Shehu Sani (CON), Gov. Uba Sani (CON), Barr. Femi Falana SAN (CON), Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON), Barr. Luke Aghanenu (OON)

• CON/OON: Sen. 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), Barr. Felix Morka (CON), Barr. Ledum Mitee (CON), Hon. Olawale Osun (CON), Dr. Amos Akingba (CON), Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON)

• CFR/CON/CFR/CFR: Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR), Dr. Kayode Shoniki (CON), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON), Prof. Bayo Williams (CON), Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR), Sen. Ame Ebute (CFR)

In a special tribute, the President conferred the CON on veteran journalist and publisher Sam Amuka-Pemu in honour of his 90th birthday on June 13.

Decoration of Presiding Officers
Finally, President Tinubu decorated the presiding officers of the National Assembly with honours previously announced last year:

• Senate President: Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON

• Speaker of the House: Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON

• Deputy Senate President: Sen. Jibrin Ibrahim Barau, CFR

• Deputy Speaker: Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR

The ceremony underscores the administration’s commitment to recognising those who have championed Nigeria’s democratic ideals.