BY NONYE JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday conferred national honours on key figures who played instrumental roles in Nigeria’s return to democratic rule, as part of the events marking the 2025 Democracy Day celebration.
In an address before a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja, President Tinubu paid tribute to the sacrifices and resilience of prominent Nigerians who stood against military dictatorship and championed democratic ideals.
Among those honoured were the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, and former federal lawmaker and rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani. Both received the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) award for their unwavering commitment during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles.
“These patriots stood firm when it mattered most, President Tinubu said. Their courage helped shape the democratic foundation we stand on today.”
The President also acknowledged the collective efforts of civil society leaders, academics, journalists, and posthumous heroes whose actions, he noted, contributed immensely to restoring civilian rule.
Posthumous awards were also conferred on notable democracy icons such as Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Balarabe Musa, Chief Frank Kokori, and Odia Ofeimun.
President Tinubu stated that the national honours serve not only as a recognition of past contributions but also as a reminder of the sacrifices that birthed Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
“Today, we reaffirm our gratitude to those who paid the price for the freedoms we enjoy. This Democracy Day is not only about remembrance; it is a reaffirmation of our resolve to protect and deepen our democracy,” he added.
The 2025 Democracy Day, celebrated every June 12 in memory of the annulled 1993 presidential election widely believed to have been won by late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, was marked by tributes, award ceremonies, and nationwide reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The honours included high-ranking national awards, with Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka receiving the Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON), Nigeria’s second-highest honour.
Other recipients include: Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Barrister Femi Falana, SAN (CON), Dapo Olorunyomi, Publisher, Premium Times – Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Bayo Onanuga, Presidential spokesman – CON,bKen Saro-Wiwa (Posthumous) – CON, Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON), Chief Bola Ige Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) and Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi – CFR.
