President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on several distinguished Nigerians, including Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), Catholic Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, alongside Kudirat Abiola and others.
The honours, announced on Thursday, recognized both living and posthumous awardees for their contributions to the nation, particularly for their roles during the June 12 democratic struggle.
Among the posthumous honourees is Kudirat Abiola, who received the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) award for her sacrifices in the fight to validate the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Others honoured posthumously include Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), and renowned environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), along with members of the Ogoni Nine, all of whom were granted full presidential pardons.
Several other living recipients were also honoured, including Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), Kunle Ajibade (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), and veteran journalist and Vanguard publisher, Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu (CON), who turns 90 on June 13.
Others on the honours list 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 Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) to Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
In addition, Tinubu formally decorated key National Assembly leaders with honours previously conferred on them in 2023.
These included Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who both received the GCON, while Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu received the CFR.
