President Bola Tinubu on Thursday honoured dozens of Nigerians with national awards as part of the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations.
Speaking during his State of the Nation address at the National Assembly, Tinubu revealed that the recognition was to celebrate the sacrifices and contributions of individuals who played important roles in shaping Nigeria’s democratic journey.
One of the most notable recognitions was the posthumous award of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) to the late Kudirat Abiola, a well-known pro-democracy activist and wife of the late Chief Moshood Abiola.
Nobel Prize-winning author and political commentator, Prof. Wole Soyinka, was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), the second-highest national honour. He was recognised for his long-standing role in promoting human rights and democratic values in Nigeria.
Below is the full list of the awardees as announced by President Tinubu:
- Kudirat Abiola – CFR
- Shehu Musa Yar’Adua – GCFR
- Prof. Humphrey Nwosu – CON
- Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu – CON
- Alhaji Balarabe Musa – CFR
- Pa Alfred Rewane – CFR
- Bagauda Kaltho – OON
- Chima Ubani – OON
- Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti – CON
- Alao Aka Bashorun – CON
- Chief Frank Kokori – CON
- Emma Ezeazu – OON
- Bamidele Aturu – OON
- Fredrick Fasehun – CON
- Prof. Festus Iyayi – CON
- Dr. John Yima Sen – OON
- Alhaja Sawaba Gambo – CON
- Dr. Edwin Madunagu – CON
- Dr. Alex Ibru – CON
- Chief Bola Ige – CFR
- Pa Reuben Fasoranti – CFR
- Senator Ayo Fasanmi – CON
- Senator Polycarp Nwite – CON
- Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo – CON
- Prof. Wole Soyinka – GCON
- Prof. Olatunji Dare – CON
- Kunle Ajibade – OON
- Nosa Igiebor – OON
- Dapo Olorunyomi – OON
- Bayo Onanuga – CON
- Ayo Obe – OON
- Dare Babarinsa – CON
- Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah – CON
- Senator Shehu Sani – CON
- Governor Uba Sani – CON
- Barrister Femi Falana, SAN – CON
- Prof. Shafideen Amuwo – CON
- Barrister Luke Aghanenu – OON
- Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi – CON
- Hon. Labaran Maku – OON
- Dr. Tunji Alausa – CON
- Mr Nick Dazang – OON
- Hon Abdul Oroh – OON
- Odia Ofeimun – CON
- Seye Kehinde – OON
- Barrister Felix Morka – CON
- Barrister Ledum Mitee – CON
- Hon. Olawale Osun – CON
- Dr. Amos Akingba – CON
- Prof. Segun Gbadegesin – CON
- Mobolaji Akinyemi – CFR
- Dr. Kayode Shonoiki – CON
- Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – CON
- Prof. Bayo Williams – CON
- Senator Abu Ibrahim – CFR
- Senator Ame Ebute – CFR
- Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu – CON
- Ken Saro-Wiwa – CON
- Saturday Dobee – OON
- Nordu Eawo – OON
- Daniel Gbooko – OON
- Paul Levera – OON
- Felix Nuate – OON
- Baribor Bera – OON
- Barinem Kiobel – OON
- John Kpuine – OON
“I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State,” the President added.
