President Bola Tinubu has conferred posthumous national honours on iconic figures who shaped Nigeria’s journey to democracy.
Tinubu, during an address at the National Assembly, paid tribute to luminaries such as Chief Kudirat Abiola, wife of the late presumed winner of the 1993 election, Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and others whose sacrifices laid the foundation for Nigeria’s democratic resilience.
The President said his decision to honor these individuals is part of his commitment to immortalizing the heroes of the June 12, 1993, election and beyond.
The President declared: “We must celebrate the courage of those who braved bullets and batons to defend our democratic future.
“They laid the foundation for what we now strive to perfect.”
Kudirat Abiola, a fierce activist and wife of MKO Abiola, was posthumously awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Nwosu, a former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), received the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) for his role in conducting what is still celebrated as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election.
Late Yar’Adua, a prominent political figure and advocate for democratic ideals, was also conferred the GCFR posthumously.
Environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, leader of the Ogoni Nine, received the CON, alongside his comrades Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine, who were conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Prominent figures like Wole Soyinka, Shehu Sani, and Femi Falana were also recognized for their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Below is the full list of those honoured by the President;
Those honoured with posthumous national honours are: Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), 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), Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON) and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).
Also conferred with national honours are Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), the journalist and journalism teacher; 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), Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR), Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON), Prof. Bayo Williams (CON), Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR), and Sen. Ame Ebute (CFR).
