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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday conferred national honours on 50 pro-democracy figures, including veteran journalist and activist Niran Malaolu, human rights advocate Joe Okei-Odumakin, and other key actors of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, in commemoration of the 2026 Democracy Day.
The honours, announced during the June 12 national ceremony in Abuja, recognised individuals drawn from journalism, civil society, academia and the military who played critical roles in resisting military rule and advancing the return of democratic governance in Nigeria.
Among the most prominent civilian awardees are Niran Malaolu, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Sam Omatseye, Segun Babatope, Bola Bolawole, Debo Adeniran, Ayo Opadokun, Richard Akinnola, Ishola Williams (rtd), Femi Aborisade, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju and Ike Okonta.
Posthumous recognitions were also conferred on Dr Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi for their contributions to the pro-democracy movement.
In the military category, the President honoured retired officers including Sambo Dasuki, Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Lawan Gwadabe, Musa Shehu, Chris Eze, Harris Dzarma, Joseph Oshanupin and Yahaya Abubakar, acknowledging their roles as “soldier-democrats” who resisted authoritarian rule.
Speaking at the event marking the anniversary of the historic June 12 1993 presidential election, Tinubu described the date as a defining moment that reshaped Nigeria’s political destiny.
“June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story,” the President said.
He stressed that Nigeria must now go beyond political liberation to achieve economic freedom, noting that democracy must translate into tangible improvement in citizens’ welfare.
“The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom,” he declared.
Tinubu added that many of the honourees endured persecution, exile, imprisonment and professional setbacks in their struggle against military rule, insisting that their sacrifices laid the foundation for Nigeria’s current democratic order.
He, however, urged Nigerians and political leaders to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure accountability in governance, stating that the true tribute to the June 12 legacy is a nation where justice, freedom and opportunity are guaranteed.
The Presidency said the full categories and classes of the national honours awarded to each recipient would be officially published in the coming days.
The latest recognition forms part of nationwide activities marking Democracy Day, which commemorates the annulled 1993 presidential election widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll.
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