National Honours: Shehu Yar’Adua Gets GCFR, Humphrey Nwosu CON, Kudirat Abiola CFR, 63 Others Honoured (FULL LIST)

President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on 66 Nigerians in recognition of their pivotal roles in the country’s democratic journey, with a particular focus on those who shaped the pro-democracy struggle. The announcement came during his address to a joint session of the National Assembly on June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

A key highlight was the posthumous conferment of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), the nation’s highest national honour, on Shehu Musa Yar’Adua. Yar’Adua, a former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, and influential political figure, was a prominent advocate for democracy until his death as a political prisoner in 1997. He now joins Obafemi Awolowo and Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola as the only non-presidents to have received the GCFR honour.

“Shehu Yar’Adua epitomised courage and unity. He died a political prisoner but lives forever as a national hero,” President Tinubu said, underscoring Yar’Adua’s legacy in Nigeria’s democratic reawakening.

Tinubu also recognised Professor Humphrey Nwosu, former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission, with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), crediting him with introducing a new era of electoral transparency. “Professor Nwosu stood for truth, transparency, and a new vision of electoral integrity in Nigeria. His memory is a national treasure,” Tinubu stated.

Kudirat Abiola, slain in 1996 for her vocal support of the June 12 mandate, was posthumously awarded the title of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR). Tinubu hailed her as a symbol of democratic resistance and resilience.

“Today, we immortalise not just names, but ideals — sacrifice, courage, and unwavering belief in a democratic Nigeria,” the president declared.

The full list of honourees spans a wide range of activists, journalists, politicians, and public figures, both living and deceased, who contributed to Nigeria’s democratic progress:

GCFR:

* Shehu Musa Yar’Adua

GCON:

* Wole Soyinka

CFR:

* Kudirat Abiola

* Balarabe Musa

* Bola Ige

* Reuben Fasoranti

* Mobolaji Akinyemi

* Abu Ibrahim

* Ame Ebute

CON:

* Humphrey Nwosu

* Beko Ransome-Kuti

* Alao Aka Bashorun

* Frank Kokori

* Fredrick Fasehun

* Festus Iyayi

* Sawaba Gambo

* Edwin Madunagu

* Alex Ibru

* Ayo Fasanmi

* Polycarp Nwite

* Nurudeen Olowopopo

* Olatunji Dare

* Bayo Onanuga

* Dare Babarinsa

* Ayo Obe

* Matthew Hassan Kukah

* Shehu Sani

* Uba Sani

* Femi Falana

* Shafideen Amuwo

* Tokunbo Afikuyomi

* Tunji Alausa

* Odia Ofeimun

* Felix Morka

* Ledum Mitee

* Olawale Osun

* Amos Akingba

* Segun Gbadegesin

* Kayode Shonoiki

* Julius Ihonvbere

* Bayo Williams

* Sam Amuka Pemu

* Ken Saro-Wiwa

OON:

* Bagauda Kaltho

* Chima Ubani

* Emma Ezeazu

* John Yima Sen

* Kunle Ajibade

* Nosa Igiebor

* Dapo Olorunyomi

* Luke Aghanenu

* Labaran Maku

* Nick Dazang

* Abdul Oroh

* Seye Kehinde

* Saturday Dobee

* Nordu Eawo

* Daniel Gbooko

* Paul Levera

* Felix Nuate

* Baribor Bera

* Barinem Kiobel

* John Kpuine

The honours mark a solemn recognition of those whose contributions, sacrifices, and ideals continue to shape Nigeria’s democratic evolution.