President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced plans to confer national honours on dozens of Nigerians, including journalists, activists, academics, legal practitioners and military officers, in recognition of their roles in the June 12 pro-democracy struggle and resistance against military rule across Nigeria.
The presidency said the recognition is aimed at honouring individuals who endured persecution and contributed to the restoration of democratic governance, with their efforts described as instrumental to Nigeria’s current democratic system.
The list of awardees is expected to be formally released in the coming days. It is said the awards reflect national appreciation for sacrifices made during the pro-democracy struggle and military rule era in Nigeria today.
According to the presidency, those selected for the honours include individuals who faced detention, exile, harassment and other forms of repression during the military era.
The civilian category includes prominent journalists and public figures such as Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Sam Omatseye, Segun Babatope, Femi Kusa, Debo Adeniran, Ayo Opadokun, Ralph Obiora, Joe Igbokwe, Richard Akinnola, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Ike Okonta, Joe Okei-Odumakin, and several others.
Some recipients, including Dr Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi, were listed posthumously.
A separate category, described as “Soldier-Democrats,” includes senior military officers such as Major General M.A. Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, Major General Harris Dzarma, Brigadier General Yahaya Abubakar, and others.
The presidency said their inclusion reflects their roles in supporting democratic transition efforts at various stages of Nigeria’s political history.
