In a landmark move to mark this year’s Democracy Day for the year 2025, President Bola Tinubu has awarded national honours to a host of distinguished Nigerians both living and late; who played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s democratic journey.
Speaking during his State of the Nation address at the National Assembly on Thursday, Tinubu announced posthumous and living honours to icons including the late Kudirat Abiola, who was awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), and Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, who received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
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Other notable names include the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, and members of the Ogoni Nine who were not only recognized posthumously but also granted presidential pardons by Tinubu.
This gesture, the president said, was a step toward national healing and recognition of the sacrifices made for Nigeria’s democracy.
Below is the full list of the awardees as announced by President Tinubu:
- Kudirat Abiola – CFR
- Shehu Musa Yar’Adua – GCFR
- Prof. Humphrey Nwosu – CON
- Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu – CON
- Alhaji Balarabe Musa – CFR
- Pa Alfred Rewane – CFR
- Bagauda Kaltho – OON
- Chima Ubani – OON
- Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti – CON
- Alao Aka Bashorun – CON
- Chief Frank Kokori – CON
- Emma Ezeazu – OON
- Bamidele Aturu – OON
- Fredrick Fasehun – CON
- Prof. Festus Iyayi – CON
- Dr. John Yima Sen – OON
- Alhaja Sawaba Gambo – CON
- Dr. Edwin Madunagu – CON
- Dr. Alex Ibru – CON
- Chief Bola Ige – CFR
- Pa Reuben Fasoranti – CFR
- Senator Ayo Fasanmi – CON
- Senator Polycarp Nwite – CON
- Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo – CON
- Prof. Wole Soyinka – GCON
- Prof. Olatunji Dare – CON
- Kunle Ajibade – OON
- Nosa Igiebor – OON
- Dapo Olorunyomi – OON
- Bayo Onanuga – CON
- Ayo Obe – OON
- Dare Babarinsa – CON
- Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah – CON
- Senator Shehu Sani – CON
- Governor Uba Sani – CON
- Barrister Femi Falana, SAN – CON
- Prof. Shafideen Amuwo – CON
- Barrister Luke Aghanenu – OON
- Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi – CON
- Hon. Labaran Maku – OON
- Dr. Tunji Alausa – CON
- Mr Nick Dazang – OON
- Hon Abdul Oroh – OON
- Odia Ofeimun – CON
- Seye Kehinde – OON
- Barrister Felix Morka – CON
- Barrister Ledum Mitee – CON
- Hon. Olawale Osun – CON
- Dr. Amos Akingba – CON
- Prof. Segun Gbadegesin – CON
- Mobolaji Akinyemi – CFR
- Dr. Kayode Shonoiki – CON
- Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – CON
- Prof. Bayo Williams – CON
- Senator Abu Ibrahim – CFR
- Senator Ame Ebute – CFR
- Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu – CON
- Ken Saro-Wiwa – CON
- Saturday Dobee – OON
- Nordu Eawo – OON
- Daniel Gbooko – OON
- Paul Levera – OON
- Felix Nuate – OON
- Baribor Bera – OON
- Barinem Kiobel – OON
- John Kpuine – OON
“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,” the President added.
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