President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday, June 12, 2026, conferred national honours on 50 Nigerians in recognition of their roles in the country’s pro-democracy struggle.
The announcement was made during his Democracy Day nationwide broadcast, marking the anniversary of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Tinubu said the awardees were individuals who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and other sacrifices during the fight against military rule, paving the way for Nigeria’s return to democratic governance.
“The national honours list comprises several journalists, civil rights leaders, and senior military officers who were part of the struggle for democracy,” the President said.
He added that the formal presentation of the awards will be conducted in the coming days.
Among those listed for recognition are prominent media practitioners, activists, and political figures including Dele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Joe Igbokwe, Sam Omatseye, Joe Okei-Odumakin, Richard Akinnola, and Babajide Kolade-Otitoju.
The list also includes several retired military officers often referred to as “soldier-democrats,” such as Col. Abubakar Dangiwa Umar, Col. Sambo Dasuki, Brig. Gen. Yahaya Abubakar (Etsu Nupe), and others who were involved in various stages of Nigeria’s democratic transition.
Tinubu described the honourees as individuals whose sacrifices contributed significantly to the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
The presidency is expected to release the full official honours list in the coming days.