June 12: President Tinubu Honours Soyinka, Kudirat Abiola, Yar’Adua, Others for Democratic Struggles

In a historic ceremony marking Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, President Bola Tinubu today conferred national honors on prominent democracy activists, both living and deceased, recognizing their sacrifices in the nation’s political evolution.

The prestigious Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) was posthumously awarded to Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, whom President Tinubu described as “a heroine of democracy.” Other notable posthumous recipients included environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, former Vice President Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (awarded GCFR), and Chief Bola Ige.

President Tinubu paid emotional tribute to the honourees, stating: “This is not just a roll call of names. It is a tribute to courage, resilience, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit that fought for the freedom we now enjoy.” He described all recipients as “torchbearers of Nigeria’s democratic conscience.”

Living Icons Honoured

Among living recipients, Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), while prominent journalist Bayo Onanuga and human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) were decorated with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). Bishop Matthew Kukah and veteran journalist Uncle Sam Amuka also received CON honors.

Legislative Leaders Recognized

The ceremony also formally recognized presiding National Assembly officers with previously announced honors: Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas received GCON, while their deputies were awarded CFR.

President Tinubu emphasized that the awards represent both historical recognition and inspiration for future generations to uphold democratic values.

This year’s Democracy Day honors mark the most expansive recognition of democratic activists in Nigeria’s history, coming exactly 25 years after the 1999 transition to civilian rule. The ceremony attracted families of deceased honourees, political leaders, and civil society representatives in an emotional celebration of Nigeria’s democratic journey.