President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on distinguished Nigerians in recognition of their unwavering contributions to democracy, human rights, journalism, and public service. The announcement was made on Thursday during his address to a joint session of the National Assembly to mark the 25th anniversary of uninterrupted civilian governance and the country’s 26th Democracy Day anniversary.

The President honoured 32 individuals, including Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, with the second highest national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). He also conferred the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) awards on several other eminent personalities.

“This recognition is a testament to the sacrifices made by these patriots in the struggle to enthrone and sustain democracy in our land,” Tinubu stated.

Prominent among the awardees are literary icon Odia Ofeimun (CON), human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN (CON), fiery cleric Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), veteran journalist and publisher Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, who was specially honoured with a CON award on the eve of his 90th birthday, and celebrated columnist Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON).

Others recognized for their roles in the pro-democracy struggle, media advocacy, legal reform, and governance include:

• Bayo Onanuga, media entrepreneur (CON)
• Kunle Ajibade, journalist and democracy advocate (OON)
• Nosa Igiebor, journalist and publisher (OON)
• Dapo Olorunyomi, investigative journalist (OON)
• Ayo Obe, human rights activist and lawyer (OON)
• Dare Babarinsa, journalist and historian (CON)
• Senator Shehu Sani, former activist and lawmaker (CON)
• Governor Uba Sani, Kaduna State (CON)
• Prof. Shafideen Amuwo, academic and democracy advocate (CON)
• Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON)
• Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON)
• Hon. Labaran Maku, former minister (OON)
• Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health (CON)
• Nick Dazang, electoral expert (OON)
• Hon. Abdul Oroh, former journalist and lawmaker (OON)
• Seye Kehinde, publisher of City People magazine (OON)
• Barr. Felix Morka, APC National Publicity Secretary (CON)
• Barr. Ledum Mitee, Niger Delta activist (CON)
• Hon. Olawale Osun, NADECO leader (CON)
• Dr. Amos Akingba, NADECO stalwart (CON)
• Prof. Segun Gbadegesin, philosopher and writer (CON)
• Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, lawmaker and academic (CON)
• Prof. Bayo Williams, scholar and activist (CON)
• Dr. Kayode Shonoiki, media administrator (CON)
• Senator Abu Ibrahim and Senator Ameh Ebute were both honoured with Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), a prestigious national honour.

Tinubu praised the honourees for their “unrelenting courage, vision, and determination” in pushing the frontiers of liberty, civic freedom, and institutional reform. He reiterated that the Renewed Hope administration remains committed to safeguarding democracy and strengthening the values for which many of the awardees fought.

The honours come at a moment of national reflection on the journey since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, and they spotlight individuals whose voices and actions helped shape that trajectory.

“This Democracy Day is not just a celebration—it is a solemn recognition of those who laid the groundwork and paid the price for the freedoms we enjoy today,” the President affirmed.