In a historic gesture marking the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on a host of pro-democracy icons, journalists, activists, and late patriots who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Among the most notable honourees are the late Kudirat Abiola, wife of the presumed winner of the 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, and the late environmental rights activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa. Tinubu posthumously honoured both with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
The announcement was made during a special joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, where President Tinubu paid tribute to the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy, acknowledging their courage, sacrifices, and lasting legacies.
“As we mark twenty-six years of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who made sacrifices in the past, braving all odds to ensure we have a democratic regime in our country,” the President said.
Kudirat Abiola was conferred with the posthumous national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), while other posthumous recipients included the late Chief Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa Alfred Rewani (CFR), and others.
Also honoured were media trailblazers and human rights advocates, including Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), Kunle Ajibade (OON), Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Ayo Obe (OON), and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON).
President Tinubu also conferred the title of CON on veteran journalist and publisher Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, as he prepares to mark his 90th birthday on June 13.
In a particularly symbolic act, Tinubu posthumously honoured the members of the Ogoni Nine — including Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, and Barinem Kiobel — and granted them a presidential pardon.
“I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State,” Tinubu declared.
The full list included more than 50 individuals drawn from diverse backgrounds who championed the cause of democracy, press freedom, civil rights, and social justice in Nigeria.
This sweeping recognition comes as Nigeria commemorates over two decades of democratic governance, with Tinubu reinforcing the importance of remembering those who laid the foundation for the nation’s current political stability.
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