Democracy Day: Tinubu Confers National Honours on Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Sam Omatseye, Olatunji Bello, Others

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday announced national honours for prominent journalists, pro-democracy activists, politicians and military officers who played key roles in Nigeria’s struggle for democratic governance.

The announcement formed part of the President’s Democracy Day address marking 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule in Nigeria.

Among those named for the national honours were veteran journalist Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, columnist Sam Omatseye, political commentator Joe Igbokwe, former Nigerian Guild of Editors president Gbemiga Ogunleye, columnist Bola Bolawole, media executive Olatunji Bello, publisher Tunde Fagbenle, activist Debo Adeniran and rights campaigner Joe Okei-Odumakin.

Others on the list include Chief Ayo Opadokun, Richard Akinnola, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Femi Aborisade, Louis Odion, Muyiwa Adekeye, Ike Okonta and several other figures associated with the pro-democracy movement.

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Tinubu said the awardees endured persecution, imprisonment, exile and other forms of hardship during the struggle to restore democratic rule in the country.

“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 said.

The President also honoured several deceased democracy advocates, including Dr Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi, both of whom were recognised posthumously.

In addition, Tinubu announced recognition for a group of military officers he described as “soldier-democrats” who supported the June 12 struggle.

The list includes Major General M.A. Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, Major General Chris Eze, Major General Harris Dzarma, Major General Joseph Oshanupin and Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe.

According to the President, the full honours list will be released in the coming days.

Tinubu said the awards were intended to recognise Nigerians whose sacrifices helped secure the democratic freedoms currently enjoyed by citizens.

The President paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12 struggle, including Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori and other pro-democracy figures.

He noted that June 12 remains a defining moment in Nigeria’s history and urged citizens to work towards consolidating democratic gains and achieving economic prosperity.