President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on 50 Nigerians who played key roles in the country’s pro-democracy struggle.
Naijaonpoint gathered that the 2026 Democracy Day national honours list includes journalists, civil rights leaders and senior military officers involved in the fight against military dictatorship.
Tinubu announced the honours on Friday as part of activities marking Democracy Day.
The President said June 12 remained a defining moment 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,” Tinubu said.
He said Nigerians who benefited from the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists had a duty to protect and deepen democratic institutions.
“As beneficiaries of their struggle, we have a duty to strengthen and deepen the democratic institutions for which they fought. The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable,” he added.
Tinubu said the June 12, 1993, election revealed the possibility of a truly united Nigerian nation.
According to him, while the heroes of June 12 secured political freedom, the current generation must work to secure economic freedom.
The President said, “June 12, 1993, revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation. The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom.
“Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives, in opportunities for youth, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs, and the dignity of our workers.
“Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence—the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity.”
Tinubu said the honourees endured hardship and personal sacrifice in the struggle to restore democracy.
The President said the awardees “suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today.”
FULL LIST
Barrister Ayoka Lawani
Tunde Fagbenle
Oladele Alake
Olatunji Bello
Louis Odion
Segun Babatope
Sam Omatseye
Sir Ademola Osinubi
Bola Bolawole
Lade Bonuola
