Democracy Day: Tinubu Confers National Honours on Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Sam Omatseye, Olatunji Bello, Others
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on a number of distinguished journalists, pro-democracy activists, politicians, and military officers in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The announcement was made on Friday during the President’s Democracy Day address commemorating 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in the country.
Among those honoured are veteran journalist Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, renowned columnist Sam Omatseye, political analyst Joe Igbokwe, former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors Gbemiga Ogunleye, columnist Bola Bolawole, media executive Olatunji Bello, publisher Tunde Fagbenle, activist Debo Adeniran, and human rights advocate Joe Okei-Odumakin.
Other recipients include Chief Ayo Opadokun, Richard Akinnola, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Femi Aborisade, Louis Odion, Muyiwa Adekeye, Ike Okonta, and several notable individuals who played active roles in the pro-democracy movement.
According to President Tinubu, many of the awardees endured harassment, detention, exile, and various forms of hardship while fighting for the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria.
“I am delighted to announce national honours for these Nigerians who faced persecution, suffered indignities, endured imprisonment, exile, and even solitary confinement in the struggle that secured the democracy we enjoy today,” the President stated.
Tinubu also paid tribute to deceased democracy champions, including Dr. Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi, both of whom received posthumous recognition for their contributions.
Furthermore, the President announced honours for a number of military officers he described as “soldier-democrats” for their support of the June 12 democratic struggle.
Those recognised include Major General M.A. Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, Major General Chris Eze, Major General Harris Dzarma, Major General Joseph Oshanupin, and Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe.
Tinubu disclosed that the complete list of honourees would be made public in the coming days.
He explained that the awards were designed to acknowledge Nigerians whose sacrifices and dedication contributed significantly to the democratic freedoms currently enjoyed across the nation.
The President also celebrated the legacies of notable June 12 heroes, including Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, and several other pro-democracy advocates.
He described June 12 as a landmark event in Nigeria’s political history and urged citizens to remain committed to strengthening democratic institutions while pursuing national development and economic growth.