June 12: Tinubu confers national honours on Joe Igbokwe, Dele Alake, Dasuki, 47 others (Full list)

President Recognizes 50 Nigerians for Contributions to Democracy

President Bola Tinubu has awarded national honors to 50 Nigerians for their significant contributions to the pro-democracy movement that led to the restoration of democratic governance in the country. The announcement was made on Friday in conjunction with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations.

The honored individuals include journalists, civil rights activists, political leaders, and military officers who fought against military rule. Notable recipients include Joe Igbokwe, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Richard Akinnola, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, and the late Dr. Arthur Nwankwo.

In his remarks, Tinubu described June 12 as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history, emphasizing that the date symbolizes the nation’s dedication to democratic values and freedoms. “June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story,” he stated.

The president acknowledged that many awardees faced persecution, imprisonment, and exile in their quest for democracy. He highlighted the importance of their sacrifices in securing the democratic liberties that Nigerians benefit from today.

Among the honored individuals, a special category titled “Soldier-Democrats” was established for military officers who contributed to the struggle to end military dictatorship.

A complete list of the honorees includes:

• Barrister Ayoka Lawani
• Tunde Fagbenle
• Oladele Alake
• Olatunji Bello
• Louis Odion
• Segun Babatope
• Sam Omatseye
• Sir Ademola Osinubi
• Bola Bolawole
• Lade Bonuola
• Femi Kusa
• Debo Adeniran
• Chief Ayo Opadokun
• Chief Ralph Obioha
• Ose Osayande
• Barrister Osa Director
• Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine
• Dr. Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous)
• Dr. Osagie Obayuwana
• Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin
• Barrister Titus Mann
• Joe Igbokwe
• Richard Akinnola
• Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous)
• George Mbah
• Dr. Niran Malaolu
• Major-General Ishola Williams (retired)
• Femi Aborisade
• Jenkins Alumona
• Gbemiga Ogunleye
• Muyiwa Adekeye
• Babajide Kolade-Otitoju
• Ike Okonta

Additionally, the president recognized the contributions of military personnel involved in the June 12 struggle, which include:

• Major General MA Garba
• Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa
• Colonel Umar Farouk Ahmed
• Colonel Sambo Dasuki
• Colonel Lawan Gwadabe
• Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong
• Colonel Musa Shehu
• Major General Chris Eze
• Major General Harris Dzarma
• Colonel Isa Jibrin
• Major General Joseph Oshanupin
• Colonel Olusegun Oloruntoba
• Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus
• Colonel J Okai
• Colonel Emmanuel Ndubueze
• Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Muazu

President Tinubu indicated that a full honors list, detailing categories and ranks of each award, would be released in the coming days.

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