President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on dozens of pro-democracy activists, journalists, civil society leaders, and retired military officers who played key roles in Nigeria’s June 12 democratic struggle.
The announcement was made during his nationwide Democracy Day address, where he paid tribute to individuals who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and other sacrifices in the fight to restore democratic governance in Nigeria.
According to the President, the honours are intended to preserve the legacy of those whose contributions helped pave the way for Nigeria’s current democratic era, which now marks 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule.
Prominent Media and Civil Society Figures Honoured
Among those recognised were notable journalists, rights advocates, and democracy campaigners, including:
- Gbemiga Ogunleye, former Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ)
- Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Director of News at TVC News and veteran journalist
- Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, human rights activist and democracy advocate
- Chief Ayo Opadokun, prominent NADECO leader
- Sam Omatseye
- Oladele Alake
- Olatunji Bello
- Louis Odion
- Tunde Fagbenle
- Richard Akinnola
- Debo Adeniran
Recognition for ‘Soldier-Democrats’
In a notable move, President Tinubu also honoured a group of retired military officers described as “soldier-democrats” for their roles in resisting military dictatorship and supporting democratic ideals.
Those recognised include:
- Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd)
- Colonel Lawan Gwadabe (rtd)
- Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe
- Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd)
- Major General M.A. Garba
- Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa
Tinubu Celebrates June 12 Heroes
The President noted that many of the award recipients faced intimidation, detention, solitary confinement, and exile during the struggle to actualise the June 12 mandate and restore democratic governance in Nigeria.
He said the honours serve as a national acknowledgement of their sacrifices and commitment to freedom, justice, and democracy.
The recognition forms part of activities marking Nigeria’s 2026 Democracy Day celebration and the country’s 27th year of uninterrupted democratic rule.
Congratulations to all the recipients on this historic national recognition.
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