President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday conferred national honours on a number of journalists, pro-democracy activists, politicians and military officers in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey and their roles in the struggle against military rule. The honours were announced during the President’s Democracy Day address at a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja.
Among the journalists honoured were Barrister Ayoka Lawani, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Segun Babatope, Sam Omatseye, Sir Ademola Osinubi, Bola Bolawole, Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Ben Charles-Obi (posthumous), George Mbah, Dr Niran Malaolu, Gbemiga Ogunleye, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju and Ike Okonta.
The President also recognised several pro-democracy activists and politicians, including Debo Adeniran, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Chief Ralph Obiora, Ose Osayande, Barrister Osa Director, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Dr Arthur Nwankwo (posthumous), Dr Osagie Obayuwana, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Barrister Titus Mann, Joe Igbokwe, Richard Akinnola, Femi Aborisade, Jenkins Alumona and Muyiwa Adekeye.
Also honoured were military officers who played notable roles during Nigeria’s democratic transition and the June 12 struggle. They include Major-General Ishola Williams (retd), Major General M.A. Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Colonel Umar Farouk Ahmed, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong, Colonel Musa Shehu, Major General Chris Eze, Major General Harris Dzarma, Colonel Isa Jibrin, Major General Joseph Oshanupin, Colonel Olusegun Oloruntoba, Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus, Colonel J. Okai, Colonel Emmanuel Ndubueze, Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Muazu and Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe.
Tinubu said the honours were part of efforts to recognise Nigerians who made sacrifices for the restoration and sustenance of democracy, noting that the June 12 struggle remained a defining moment in the nation’s democratic history. The President stressed the need to preserve democratic values and honour those who risked their freedom and lives in the fight against authoritarian rule. 
The Democracy Day celebration commemorates the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, and honours individuals whose actions contributed to the eventual return of democratic governance in the country.
