…describing June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s history, Tinubu said the date symbolizes the nation’s commitment to democracy.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times| President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on 50 Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to the pro-democracy struggle that culminated in the return of democratic governance in the country.
The honours were announced on Friday as part of the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations. The recipients include journalists, civil rights activists, political figures and military officers who played various roles in the campaign against military rule.
Describing June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s history, Tinubu said the date symbolizes the nation’s commitment to democracy, freedom and justice.
According to him, many of the award recipients endured imprisonment, harassment, exile and other hardships in their quest to restore democratic rule in the country.
The president also recognised a category of military officers described as “Soldier-Democrats” for their contributions to the pro-democracy movement.
Full List of Honourees
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 Obioha
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 Recognised
Major General M.A. Garba
Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa
Col. Umar Farouk Ahmed
Col. Sambo Dasuki
Col. Lawan Gwadabe
Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong
Col. Musa Shehu
Major General Chris Eze
Major General Harris Dzarma
Col. Isa Jibrin
Major General Joseph Oshanupin
Col. Olusegun Oloruntoba (Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom)
Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus
Col. J. Okai
Col. Emmanuel Ndubueze
Lt. Col. Yakubu Muazu
Tinubu noted that the complete honours package, including the categories and ranks of the awards bestowed on each recipient, will be officially released in the coming days.
