Olatunji Bello, Joe Igbokwe Listed As President Tinubu Plans National Honours For 33 Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu has announced plans to confer national honours on dozens of Nigerians who played significant roles in the struggle for democracy, describing them as patriots who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile and other hardships to secure democratic governance in the country.

The President made the announcement during his Democracy Day address on Friday, saying the awardees would be formally recognised for their sacrifices during the pro-democracy movement, particularly in the aftermath of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

According to Tinubu, the honours are intended to celebrate individuals who paid a personal price in the fight against military rule and helped lay the foundation for Nigeria’s current democratic system.

“I am also pleased to announce national awards to the following Nigerians, who suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today,” the President declared.

Among those listed for the honours are 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 Obiora, Ose Osayande, Barrister Osa Director, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Dr Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous), Dr Osagie Obayuwana, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Richard Akinnola, Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous), Dr Niran Malaolu, Major-General Ishola Williams (retd), Femi Aborisade, Jenkins Alumona, Joe Igbokwe, Gbemiga Ogunleye, Muyiwa Adekeye, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju and Ike Okonta, among others.

Tinubu also reserved special recognition for military officers he described as “soldier-democrats” who supported the June 12 struggle and stood against authoritarian rule despite serving within the armed forces.

“We also recognise the soldier-democrats of the June 12 struggle,” he said before naming several retired and serving officers, including Major General M.A. Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Col Umar Farouk Ahmed, Col 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, Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus, Col J. Okai, Col Emmanuel Ndubueze and Lt. Col. Yakubu Muazu.

The President also acknowledged Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and current holder of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) title, for his role in the democratic struggle.

Tinubu disclosed that the full honours list, including the categories of awards to be conferred on the recipients, would be released in the coming days.

“The honours list will be released in the next few days,” he stated.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, the President noted that the country had defied predictions of collapse despite its ethnic, religious and cultural diversity.

“Fellow Nigerians, 27 years ago, many doubted democracy would survive here because of our diversity. Today, our diversity sustains our democracy,” Tinubu said.

While acknowledging the challenges facing the nation, he expressed confidence in Nigeria’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity.

“The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” he declared.

The President urged citizens to recommit themselves to the ideals of democracy, national unity and good governance, stressing that the sacrifices of past heroes must not be forgotten.

“Let us renew our covenant: That the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this land,” Tinubu said.

The announcement formed one of the highlights of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, which commemorates the historic June 12 struggle that eventually paved the way for the return to democratic rule in Nigeria.