President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on a distinguished group of Nigerians, including Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), and Catholic Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah. The announcement was made on Thursday, recognizing both living and posthumous recipients for their significant contributions to the nation, particularly in relation to the June 12 democratic struggle.
Among the posthumous honourees is Kudirat Abiola, who was awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) for her pivotal role in the fight to validate the June 12, 1993, election. Other posthumous recipients include Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), along with his fellow Ogoni Nine, all of whom received full presidential pardons.
Living recipients of the honour include Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), Kunle Ajibade (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), and journalist and Vanguard publisher Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu (CON), who celebrates his 90th birthday on June 13.
Other notable recipients include Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Bishop Kukah, Prof. Shafideen Amuwo, Barr. Ledum Mitee, Hon. Labaran Maku, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, and Mobolaji Akinyemi. The awards ranged from the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) to the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
In addition, President Tinubu decorated National Assembly leaders with honours previously conferred upon them in 2023, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas (GCON), as well as Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu (CFR).
