Tinubu honours Kudirat Abiola, Soyinka, Nwosu, other June 12 heroes with national awards

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday conferred national honours on more than 60 Nigerians, both living and posthumously, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development—particularly their sacrifices during the June 12 pro-democracy movement.

The honours were announced during Tinubu’s maiden ‘State of the Nation’ address to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja, marking 26 years of unbroken democratic rule in Nigeria.

“As we commemorate the 26th year of uninterrupted democracy, it is only fitting to honour the heroes who, at great personal risk, laid the foundation for the freedoms we enjoy today,” President Tinubu said.

At the top of the posthumous honourees was the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, who was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) for her courage and sacrifice in pursuit of democratic ideals. Others who received posthumous recognition include:

* Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR)

* Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON)

* Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON)

* Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR)

* Pa Alfred Rewane (CFR)

* Bagauda Kaltho (OON)

* Chima Ubani (OON)

* Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON)

* Alao Aka Bashorun (CON)

* Chief Frank Kokori (CON)

* Emma Ezeazu (OON)

* Bamidele Aturu (OON)

* Dr. Fredrick Fasehun (CON)

* Prof. Festus Iyayi (CON)

* Dr. John Yima Sen (OON)

* Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON)

* Dr. Alex Ibru (CON)

* Chief Bola Ige (CFR)

* Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON)

* Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON)

* Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON)

Among the living honourees were prominent journalists, rights advocates, and public figures, including:

* Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON)

* Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON)

* Kunle Ajibade, Nosa Igiebor, Dapo Olorunyomi (all OON)

* Bayo Onanuga, Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu (CON)

* Ayo Obe, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Sen. Shehu Sani, Gov. Uba Sani, Femi Falana SAN, Prof. Shafideen Amuwo, and Barr. Luke Aghanenu

Other recipients include Labaran Maku, Tunji Alausa, Abdul Oroh, Odia Ofeimun, Seye Kehinde, Felix Morka, Ledum Mitee, Hon. Olawale Osun, Dr. Amos Akingba, Prof. Segun Gbadegesin, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Prof. Bayo Williams, Dr. Edwin Madunagu, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Sen. Abu Ibrahim, and Sen. Ameh Ebute.

In a symbolic gesture of institutional unity, President Tinubu also formally decorated key leaders of the National Assembly with honours previously awarded:

*Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen (GCON)

* Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu (CFR)

President Tinubu concluded his address by calling on Nigerians to recommit to the core values of June 12: liberty, justice, accountable governance, and national unity.

“Let us rededicate ourselves to the ideals of June 12: a nation where no one is oppressed, where gover

nance is transparent, and where every citizen’s voice counts,” he said.