President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on several prominent Nigerians, including Prof. Wole Soyinka and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah. In his Democracy Day address, Tinubu also posthumously honoured heroes of the June 12 struggle, including Kudirat Abiola and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.
The President announced the conferment of national honours on several individuals, citing their contributions to Nigeria’s development and democracy. Tinubu stated, “It is right to honour those who have made sacrifices in the past, braving all the odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country.”
The list of awardees includes notable figures in politics, journalism, and academia. Tinubu also announced plans to grant pardons to these national heroes and others.
The President emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by the heroes of the June 12 struggle, saying, “We must celebrate the courage of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, both of whom were murdered by agents of military repression.”
President Bola Tinubu also honored the Ogoni Nine, including Ken Saro-Wiwa, by granting them posthumous pardons and conferring national honors on them.
The honors were part of a larger recognition of individuals who contributed to Nigeria’s democracy.
The Ogoni Nine honored include; Ken Saro-Wiwa: Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), Saturday Dobee: Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Nordu Eawo: Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Daniel Gbooko: Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Paul Levera: Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON),Felix Nuate: Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Baribor Bera: Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Barinem Kiobel: Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), John Kpuine: Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
This recognition acknowledges their sacrifices and contributions to the country’s democratic history
The conferment of national honours is a recognition of the contributions and sacrifices made by these individuals to Nigeria’s development and democracy.
Tinubu’s address was a tribute to the heroes of the June 12 struggle and a celebration of Nigeria’s democracy.
