President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on a distinguished list of over 20 Nigerians, including veteran journalists Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, columnist Sam Omatseye, and media executive Olatunji Bello, as part of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
The announcement was made on Friday during the President’s Democracy Day address, which marks 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule in Nigeria.
The President explained that the awardees were recognized for their pivotal roles in the struggle to restore democratic governance in the country, noting that many endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and other forms of hardship.
“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,” Tinubu said.
Alongside Kolade-Otitoju, Omatseye, and Bello, other honourees include political commentator Joe Igbokwe, former Nigerian Guild of Editors president Gbemiga Ogunleye, columnist Bola Bolawole, publisher Tunde Fagbenle, activist Debo Adeniran, and rights campaigner Joe Okei-Odumakin.
The list also features Chief Ayo Opadokun, Richard Akinnola, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Femi Aborisade, Louis Odion, Muyiwa Adekeye, and Ike Okonta, among other pro-democracy figures.
In addition to journalists and activists, President Tinubu recognized a group of military officers he described as “soldier-democrats” who supported the June 12 struggle. They include 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).
Several deceased democracy advocates, including Dr. Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi, were also honoured posthumously.
The President paid tribute to the overall heroes of the June 12 movement, including Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, and Frank Kokori.
According to the President, the full honours list will be released in the coming days. He urged citizens to work towards consolidating democratic gains and achieving economic prosperity, describing June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s history.
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