President Bola Tinubu has announced national honours for 50 Nigerians including Dele Alake, Joe Igbokwe in recognition of their contributions to the pro-democracy movement that paved the way for the return of democratic rule in the country
The honours were unveiled on Friday as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration. Those recognised include journalists, activists, political figures and military officers who played key roles in resisting military dictatorship and advocating for democratic governance.
Among the recipients are Joe Igbokwe, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Richard Akinnola, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine and the late Dr Arthur Nwankwo.
Speaking during the announcement, Tinubu described June 12 as a landmark date in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story,” he said.
The President noted that many of those being honoured made significant sacrifices in the struggle for democracy, including detention, exile, harassment and other forms of persecution. According to him, their courage and commitment helped secure the democratic system currently enjoyed by Nigerians.
Tinubu also paid tribute to a group he described as “Soldier-Democrats” — military officers who stood against authoritarian rule and supported the democratic cause during a turbulent period in the nation’s history.
The list of awardees includes media professionals, civil society leaders and political activists, alongside military figures such as Major General MA Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Col Umar Farouk Ahmed, Col Sambo Dasuki, Col Lawan Gwadabe, Major General Chris Eze and several others.
The President added that the full list of recipients, along with the various categories and ranks of the honours, will be officially released in the coming days.
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