As part of the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday conferred national honours on dozens of Nigerians who played significant roles in the country’s democratic journey.
Delivering his State of the Nation address at the National Assembly, President Tinubu said the awards were meant to recognise the patriotic sacrifices and contributions of individuals who fought for democracy, human rights, and civil liberties across various generations in Nigeria.
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Among the most prominent honourees was the late Kudirat Abiola, who received a posthumous award of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) for her courageous activism during the military era. Also posthumously honoured was Shehu Musa Yar’Adua with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), in recognition of his leadership and resistance to authoritarianism.
Prof. Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate and vocal advocate of democracy, was honoured with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), the second-highest national honour, for his decades-long role in promoting human rights and democratic values.
Several other notable Nigerians were awarded Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), including pro-democracy figures such as Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Alao Aka Bashorun, Chief Frank Kokori, Fredrick Fasehun, Prof. Festus Iyayi, Dr. Edwin Madunagu, Dr. Alex Ibru, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, Senator Polycarp Nwite, Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo, Prof. Olatunji Dare, Bayo Onanuga, Dare Babarinsa, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Barrister Femi Falana (SAN), Prof. Shafideen Amuwo, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Odia Ofeimun, Barrister Felix Morka, Barrister Ledum Mitee, Hon. Olawale Osun, Dr. Amos Akingba, Prof. Segun Gbadegesin, Dr. Kayode Shonoiki, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Prof. Bayo Williams, Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, and Ken Saro-Wiwa.
Others received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), including Bagauda Kaltho, Chima Ubani, Emma Ezeazu, Bamidele Aturu, Dr. John Yima Sen, Kunle Ajibade, Nosa Igiebor, Dapo Olorunyomi, Ayo Obe, Barrister Luke Aghanenu, Hon. Labaran Maku, Mr. Nick Dazang, Hon. Abdul Oroh, Seye Kehinde, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine.
Posthumous CFR awards were also given to Pa Alfred Rewane, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Chief Bola Ige, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Senator Abu Ibrahim, and Senator Ame Ebute for their immense sacrifices and leadership in democratic advocacy.
Mobolaji Akinyemi, a seasoned diplomat and public intellectual, was also honoured with a CFR award for his role in democratic reforms and governance.
President Tinubu announced that these recognitions would be complemented by presidential pardons for the awardees and other national figures. “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,” he stated.
The awards, according to the President, are meant not just to honour individuals but to serve as a reminder of Nigeria’s long, painful, and ultimately victorious journey toward democratic governance.
