President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on several notable Nigerians, including the late Kudirat Abiola and Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, in recognition of their contributions to the country’s democratic journey.
The honours were announced during a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, June 12, as part of the events marking Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day celebration.
Kudirat Abiola, the late wife of Chief MKO Abiola—the presumed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election—was posthumously awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR). Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, who served as the chairman of the National Electoral Commission during the historic election, was also honoured posthumously with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
President Tinubu said the awards were meant to celebrate individuals who stood for democracy during difficult times in the nation’s history.
“As we mark the 26th year of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who made immense sacrifices, often risking their lives, to uphold democratic values in Nigeria,” Tinubu stated.
He further announced the conferment of various national honours on other prominent Nigerians, including:
- Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR)
- Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON)
- Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR)
- Pa Alfred Rewani (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)
- Professor 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)
Also honoured were distinguished scholars, journalists, activists, and public figures, such as:
- 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. Julius Ihonvbere (CON)
- Prof. Bayo Williams (CON)
- Senator Abu Ibrahim (CFR)
- Senator Ame Ebute (CFR)
In addition, President Tinubu awarded the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) to Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, a revered journalist and publisher, in celebration of his 90th birthday on June 13.
He also announced posthumous honours for Ken Saro-Wiwa and the other members of the Ogoni Nine, who were executed in 1995 for their environmental activism. Each member received a national honour as follows:
- 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 also declared his intention to exercise presidential powers of clemency, granting a full state pardon to the Ogoni Nine and others whose names, he said, would be announced later in consultation with the National Council of State.
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