Photo: Kudirat Abiola, wife of the winner of the June 12 1993, election
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured 66 Nigerians with national awards during his Democracy Day 2025 speech. The honours were given to individuals who made significant contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, civil rights, journalism, and public service, and members of the famous Ogoni Nine who were executed by Dictator, Gen Sani Abacha
One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony was the posthumous honour and state pardon for Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine, who were executed in 1995. President Tinubu described the act as a step toward national healing. Saro-Wiwa was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), while the others received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Posthumous honourees included:
- Kudirat Abiola (CFR)
- Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR)
- Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON)
- Chief Bola Ige (CFR)
- Pa Alfred Rewane (CFR)
- Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON)
- Chima Ubani, Emma Ezeazu, Frederick Fasehun, Bamidele Aturu, and others
These individuals were recognised for their roles in promoting democracy and resisting military oppression.
Living recipients of national honours include:
- Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON) – Nobel Laureate
- Femi Falana, SAN (CON) – Human rights lawyer
- Bishop Matthew Kukah (CON) – Cleric and peace advocate
- Senator Shehu Sani (CON) – Activist and former senator
- Dapo Olorunyomi (OON) – Investigative journalist
- Bayo Onanuga, Sam Amuka Pemu, Prof. Olatunji Dare, and Governor Uba Sani
President Tinubu said the awards are a tribute to the resilience and courage of Nigeria’s democratic champions.
“It is only right that we honour those who fought bravely for the democracy we now enjoy,” he said.
The President also confirmed that full state pardons will be granted to the Ogoni Nine and other wrongfully punished heroes, noting that the step is necessary for “justice and national reconciliation.”
This year marks 26 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, and the Democracy Day celebrations reflect the country’s commitment to honouring those who paid the price for freedom.
