President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on 50 Nigerians in recognition of their roles in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement and resistance against military dictatorship.
The honours were announced during the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, as the President paid tribute to journalists, civil rights activists, politicians, and retired military officers who contributed to the restoration and sustenance of democratic governance in Nigeria.
Among those honoured are Dele Alake, Joe Igbokwe, Sambo Dasuki, Joe Okei-Odumakin, and Ishola Williams.
Others listed include veteran journalists, civil society advocates, and former military officers who were active during the struggle against military rule following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Full List of Honourees
Barrister Ayoka Lawani
Tunde Fagbenle
Dele 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 Obiora
Ose Osayande
Barrister Osa Director
Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine
Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous)
Dr Osagie Obayuwana
Joe Okei-Odumakin
Barrister Titus Mann
Joe Igbokwe
Richard Akinnola
Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous)
George Mbah
Dr Niran Malaolu
Ishola Williams
Femi Aborisade
Jenkins Alumona
Gbemiga Ogunleye
Muyiwa Adekeye
Babajide Kolade-Otitoju
Ike Okonta
Major General M.A. Garba
Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa
Col Umar Farouk Ahmed
Sambo Dasuki
Col Lawan Gwadabe
Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong
Col Musa Shehu
Major General Chris Eze
Major General Harris Dzarma
Col Isa Jibrin
Major General Joseph Oshanupin
Col Olusegun Oloruntoba (Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom)
Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus
Col J. Okai
Col Emmanuel Ndubueze
Lt Col Yakubu Muazu
Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the current Etsu Nupe and holder of the CFR title.
The recognition forms part of activities marking Nigeria’s 2026 Democracy Day celebration, commemorating the June 12 struggle widely regarded as a defining moment in the nation’s democratic history.
