Democracy Day: Tinubu Honours June 12 Heroes, Journalists, Activists, Retired Military Officers

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on 51 distinguished Nigerians, including journalists, pro-democracy campaigners, and retired military officers, in recognition of their contributions to the struggle for democracy and the restoration of civilian rule in Nigeria.

The honours were announced during the President’s nationwide broadcast marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration and 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in the country.

Tinubu paid tribute to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, as well as other heroes and heroines whose sacrifices helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey. He acknowledged that while the nation’s democracy remains a work in progress, it continues to serve as the foundation for national growth and development.

Among those named for national recognition are prominent members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), including Chief Ayo Opadokun, Chief Ralph Obioha, and the late Dr. Arthur Nwankwo. Veteran journalists and media personalities such as Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Sir Ademola Osinubi, Dele Alake, Sam Omatseye, Bola Bolawole, and Babajide Kolade-Otitoju also made the honours list.

The President further recognised notable civil rights advocates, including Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, Richard Akinnola, Debo Adeniran, and Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, for their roles in defending democratic ideals during military rule.

In a special category, Tinubu honoured several retired military officers described as “soldier-democrats” for resisting authoritarian regimes and supporting the June 12 movement. Those recognised include retired Major General Ishola Williams, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe, and several others.

As part of efforts to immortalise democratic icons, the President announced that the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna would be renamed the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology in honour of the late military officer and democracy advocate.

Addressing the nation’s security challenges, Tinubu expressed concern over recent kidnappings involving students in Oyo and Borno states, stressing that democracy cannot thrive without security. He disclosed that the 2026 budget allocates a record ₦5.41 trillion to defence and security, while more than 50,000 police officers are being recruited to strengthen internal security operations.

The President warned terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and their sponsors to either surrender or face decisive action from security agencies. According to him, terror-related fatalities have dropped significantly in recent years, while thousands of insurgents have been neutralised through military operations.

On the economy, Tinubu defended his administration’s reform policies, describing them as necessary measures aimed at restoring fiscal stability and reviving investor confidence. He said the next phase of government efforts would focus on ensuring that the benefits of democracy are reflected in the daily lives of citizens through job creation, lower inflation, and increased local production.

To tackle Nigeria’s long-standing electricity challenges, the President revealed that the Presidential Power Sector Task Force had been authorised to raise a ₦4 trillion bond to settle legacy debts within the power sector. He added that reforms introduced through the Electricity Act are already encouraging greater participation by state governments in power generation and distribution.

Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to local government autonomy, arguing that effective grassroots governance remains crucial to tackling insecurity and delivering development across the country.

Ahead of the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, the President urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, and other stakeholders to ensure peaceful, credible, and transparent polls.

He concluded by calling on Nigerians to preserve the democratic gains secured by the June 12 movement and work collectively towards achieving economic prosperity.

“The generation of our founding fathers secured independence, the generation of June 12 secured democracy, and our generation must secure prosperity,” Tinubu said.