President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on 51 Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to the country’s pro-democracy struggle, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices helped secure Nigeria’s democratic future.
The awards were announced during the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations, which marked 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule in the country. The honourees include journalists, civil rights campaigners, political activists, and retired military officers who played significant roles in resisting military dictatorship and advancing democratic governance.
Among those recognised was Barrister Osa Director, National Publicity Secretary of the opposition Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), whose inclusion drew attention because of his affiliation with a party outside the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
A lawyer, investigative journalist, and pro-democracy advocate, Director became widely known in the 1990s through his work with TELL Magazine, where he was involved in reporting that challenged military rule. He was detained by the regime of the late General Sani Abacha and later served as Editor-in-Chief of Insider Weekly magazine, as well as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the African Bar Association.
Other recipients include National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) leaders Chief Ayo Opadokun and Chief Ralph Obioha, APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe, former National Security Adviser Colonel Sambo Dasuki, and the Etsu Nupe, Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar (retd), among several other figures associated with the struggle for democratic rule.
In his Democracy Day address, President Tinubu reflected on the significance of June 12, 1993, describing it as a defining moment in Nigeria’s history and a symbol of the country’s democratic aspirations.
“June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story,” the President said.
He noted that those who fought for democracy laid the foundation for the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today and urged citizens to strengthen the institutions built on their sacrifices.
“As beneficiaries of their struggle, we have a duty to strengthen and deepen the democratic institutions for which they fought. The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable,” he stated.
Tinubu also challenged Nigerians to focus on translating political freedom into economic prosperity, arguing that democracy should deliver tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
“June 12, 1993, revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation. The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom,” he said.
According to the President, the next phase of Nigeria’s democratic journey should be centred on creating opportunities for young people, supporting entrepreneurs and farmers, and ensuring workers enjoy dignity and improved living standards.
“Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence; the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity,” he added.
The honours ceremony formed a key highlight of this year’s Democracy Day celebrations, recognising individuals whose sacrifices and contributions helped shape Nigeria’s return to democratic governance and sustain it over the past 27 years.
FULL LIST
Journalists/Media:
1. Barrister Ayoka Lawani
2. Tunde Fagbenle
3. Oladele Alake
4. Olatunji Bello
5. Louis Odion
6. Segun Babatope
7. Sam Omatseye
8. Sir Ademola Osinubi
9. Bola Bolawole
10. Lade Bonuola
11. Femi Kusa
12. Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous)
13. George Mbah
14. Dr Niran Malaolu
15. Gbemiga Ogunleye
16. Babajide Kolade-Otitoju
17. Ike Okonta
Pro-democracy Activists/Politicians:
1. Debo Adeniran
2. Chief Ayo Opadokun
3. Chief Ralph Obiora
4. Ose Osayande
5. Barrister Osa Director
6. Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine
7. Dr Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous)
8. Dr Osagie Obayuwana
9. Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin
10. Barrister Titus Mann
11. Joe Igbokwe
12. Richard Akinnola
13. Femi Aborisade
14. Jenkins Alumona
15. Muyiwa Adekeye
Military Officers:
1. Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd)
2. Major General MA Garba
3. Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa
4. Col Umar Farouk Ahmed
5. Col Sambo Dasuki
6. Col Lawan Gwadabe
7. Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong
8. Col Musa Shehu
9. Major General Chris Eze
10. Major General Harris Dzarma
11. Col Isa Jibrin
12. Maj. General Joseph Oshanupin
13. Col Olusegun Oloruntoba – Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom
14. Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus
15. Col J Okai
16. Col Emmanuel Ndubueze
17. Lt Col Yakubu Muazu
18. Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar – Current Etsu Nupe, CFR
