President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred national honours on 42 distinguished Nigerians, including renowned Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and activist-politician Senator Shehu Sani.
The honours, bestowed in commemoration of Democracy Day, reflect the Federal Government’s recognition of individuals who have made indelible contributions to democracy, justice, journalism, advocacy, and national development.
Prof. Wole Soyinka, the globally acclaimed playwright and fierce voice for justice, was awarded the second-highest national honour—Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). Late Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was executed in 1995 for his environmental activism in the Niger Delta, was posthumously conferred with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), alongside eight of his Ogoni compatriots including Barinem Kiobel and John Kpuine.
Human rights defender Femi Falana, SAN, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Matthew Hassan Kukah, and activist-writer Shehu Sani were all awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), for their bold stands against oppression and their roles in the sustenance of democracy.
Among the awardees were some of Nigeria’s most courageous journalists and public intellectuals. Veteran columnists Prof. Olatunji Dare, Dare Babarinsa, Bayo Onanuga, Dapo Olorunyomi, Nosa Igiebor, and Kunle Ajibade were honoured with various national titles including CON and OON, in recognition of their fearless media advocacy during military regimes and beyond.
Others recognized include:
Governor Uba Sani (CON)
Barr. Felix Morka (CON)
Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON)
Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR)
Senators Abu Ibrahim and Ame Ebute (CFR)
Sen. Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Prof. Shafideen Amuwo, and Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON)
Also honoured posthumously were Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, Paul Levera, and Daniel Gbooko, who each contributed significantly to journalism and civil society.
President Tinubu, in his speech, noted that “this ceremony is not just an act of recognition but an affirmation of the values we must uphold as a nation—courage, truth, sacrifice, and the eternal pursuit of justice and democratic ideals.”
He emphasized that many of the honourees were individuals who “stood firm when silence would have been easier,” adding that Nigeria’s democracy is richer today because of their actions, sacrifices, and voices.
The full list spans a wide array of fields—from activism and journalism to public service and academia—underscoring the government’s intent to honour legacy, inspire patriotism, and remind Nigerians of the power of principled resistance and ethical leadership.
Full List of Honourees:
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)
Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR)
Sen. Ame Ebute (CFR)
Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu (Posthumous)
Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON, Posthumous)
Saturday Dobee (OON)
Nordu Eawo (OON)
Daniel Gbooko (OON)
Paul Levera (OON)
Felix Nuate (OON)
Baribor Bera (OON)
Barinem Kiobel (OON)
John Kpuine (OON)