President Bola Tinubu has awarded national honours to 50 Nigerians recognised for their roles in the pro-democracy struggle linked to June 12.

The ceremony, held as part of the 2026 Democracy Day commemoration, honoured journalists, activists, academics, and retired military officers who were involved in resistance against military rule.

Tinubu, in his address, said:

“June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story.”

He stressed that democracy must translate into improved living conditions:

 “Our challenge is to secure economic freedom. Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives.”

 “Every generation has a defining responsibility… Our generation must secure prosperity.”

He also noted that many honourees “suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement.”

The presidency confirmed that the full list of awardees will be published in the coming days.


Full List of Honourees (50)

1. Barrister Ayoka Lawani
2. Tunde Fagbenle
3. Oladele Alake
4. Olatunji Bello
5. Louis Odion
6. Segun Babatope
7. Sam Omatseye
8. Sir Ademola Osinubi
9. Bola Bolawole
10. Lade Bonuola
11. Femi Kusa
12. Debo Adeniran
13. Chief Ayo Opadokun
14. Chief Ralph Obiora
15. Ose Osayande
16. Barrister Osa Director
17. Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine
18. Dr Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous)
19. Dr Osagie Obayuwana
20. Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin
21. Barrister Titus Mann
22. Joe Igbokwe
23. Richard Akinnola
24. Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous)
25. George Mbah
26. Dr Niran Malaolu
27. Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd)
28. Femi Aborisade
29. Jenkins Alumona
30. Gbemiga Ogunleye
31. Muyiwa Adekeye
32. Babajide Kolade-Otitoju
33. Ike Okonta

 Soldier-Democrats

34. Major General MA Garba
35. Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa
36. Col Umar Farouk Ahmed
37. Col Sambo Dasuki
38. Col Lawan Gwadabe
39. Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong
40. Col Musa Shehu
41. Major General Chris Eze
42. Major General Harris Dzarma
43. Col Isa Jibrin
44. Maj. General Joseph Oshanupin
45. Col Olusegun Oloruntoba
46. Lt Col Happy Kefas Bulus
47. Col J Okai
48. Col Emmanuel Ndubueze
49. Lt Col Yakubu Muazu
50. Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar