President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on pro-democracy activists and other key figures whose sacrifices helped sustain Nigeria’s democratic struggle, acknowledging their significant roles in Nigeria’s struggle for democratic rule.
He made the announcement on Friday during his June 12, nationwide broadcast to commemorate Democracy Day, paying tribute to individuals who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile and other hardships in defence of Nigeria’s democracy.
The President noted that the honourees, pro-democracy activists, journalists, lawyers, politicians, civil society leaders and military officers played pivotal roles in defending democratic ideals, often at personal cost, including imprisonment, exile, persecution and solitary confinement.
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Among those honoured are veteran journalists, legal practitioners, human rights activists and political figures, including Barrister Ayoka Lawani, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Segun Babatope, Sam Omatseye, Bola Bolawole, Debo Adeniran, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Professor Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Richard Akinnola, Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd), Femi Aborisade, Gbemiga Ogunleye and Babajide Kolade-Otitoju.
The President also recognised several military officers whom he described as “soldier-democrats” for their contributions to the June 12 struggle.
They include Major General M.A. Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Colonel Umar Farouk Ahmed, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong, Major General Chris Eze and Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe.
President Tinubu disclosed that the full honours list would be released in the coming days.
Paying special tribute to the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, whom he described as one of the architects of modern democratic Nigeria, President Tinubu announced that the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna would be revitalised and renamed the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology in recognition of the late statesman’s contributions to national unity and democratic development.
The President also reflected on the significance of June 12, noting that the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election demonstrated the possibility of a truly united Nigerian nation, transcending ethnic, religious and regional divisions.
President Tinubu said the greatest tribute Nigerians can pay to the heroes of democracy is to build a nation where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunities are expanded and government remains accountable to the people.
He paid homage to the winner of the election, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, and his wife, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, whose sacrifices became enduring symbols of the democratic struggle.
The President also remembered other prominent democracy advocates, including Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo and Chima Ubani.
He noted that while the June 12 struggle secured political freedom, the present generation’s responsibility is to secure economic prosperity and ensure that democracy delivers meaningful improvements in citizens’ lives.
Addressing young Nigerians, the President urged them to actively participate in nation-building and democratic governance.
“Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship,” he revealed.
Tinubu further commended the resilience of Nigerians who remained steadfast in their commitment to freedom and democracy despite intimidation and hardship, describing them as patriots whose sacrifices continue to inspire the nation.
