In a grand ceremony held at the State House,Abuja, President Bola Tinubu conferred national honours on a distinguished list of Nigerian heroes, paying tribute to their invaluable contributions to the nation’s growth and development. The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the country’s rich history and the sacrifices made by its trailblazers.
Among the recipients were legendary figures such as Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, a stalwart of Nigerian politics, and Ken Saro-Wiwa, a pioneering environmental activist. The list also included notable personalities like Wole Soyinka, Nigeria’s first Nobel laureate, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, a champion of human rights and social justice.
President Tinubu, in his address, praised the awardees for their selflessness, courage, and dedication to the Nigerian cause. He emphasized that their legacies would continue to inspire future generations of Nigerians.
“We gather today to celebrate the lives and achievements of our national heroes,” President Tinubu said. “Their contributions have shaped our nation’s history, and their legacies will forever be etched in our collective memory.”
The ceremony was attended by prominent Nigerians, including government officials, traditional leaders, and family members of the awardees. The event served as a testament to the country’s commitment to recognizing and honouring its heroes.
As the President presented the awards, the atmosphere was filled with emotion, nostalgia, and a sense of pride. The awardees’ families and loved ones beamed with pride, knowing that their contributions had not gone unnoticed.
The national honours ceremony served as a reminder of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and the importance of preserving its history. As the country looks to the future, the legacies of these heroes will continue to inspire and motivate Nigerians to strive for greatness.
Posthumous Honours
– *Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR)*: Shehu Musa Yar’Adua
– *Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR)*:
– Kudirat Abiola
– Alhaji Balarabe Musa
– Pa Alfred Rewane
– Chief Bola Ige
– Pa Reuben Fasoranti
– Mobolaji Akinyemi
– Senator Abu Ibrahim
– Senator Ame Ebute
– Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)*:
– Prof. Humphrey Nwosu
– Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu
– Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti
– Alao Aka Bashorun
– Chief Frank Kokori
– Fredrick Fasehun
– Professor Festus Iyayi
– Dr. Edwin Madunagu
– Dr. Alex Ibru
– Sen. Ayo Fasanmi
– Sen. Polycarp Nwite
– Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo
– Ken Saro-Wiwa
–Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)*:
– Bagauda Kaltho
– Chima Ubani
– Emma Ezeazu
– Bamidele Aturu
– Dr. John Yima Sen
Living Recipients
– *Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)*:
– Prof. Wole Soyinka
– Senate President Godswill Akpabio
– Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas
–Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR)*: None apart from those mentioned earlier
– *Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)*:
– Prof. Olatunji Dare
– Bayo Onanuga
– Dare Babarinsa
– Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah
– Senator Shehu Sani
– Governor Uba Sani
– Barrister Femi Falana, SAN
– Prof. Shafideen Amuwo
– Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi
– Dr. Tunji Alausa
– Odia Ofeimun
– Barrister Felix Morka
– Barrister Ledum Mitee
– Hon. Olawale Osun
– Dr. Amos Akingba
– Prof. Segun Gbadegesin
– Dr. Kayode Shonoiki
– Prof. Julius Ihonvbere
– Prof. Bayo Williams
– Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu
– *Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)*:
– Kunle Ajibade
– Nosa Igiebor
– Dapo Olorunyomi
– Ayo Obe
– Barrister Luke Aghanenu
– Hon. Labaran Maku
– Mr. Nick Dazang
– Hon. Abdul Oroh
– Seye Kehinde
– Saturday Dobee
– Nordu Eawo
– Daniel Gbooko
– Paul Levera
– Felix Nuate
– Baribor Bera
– Barinem Kiobel
– John Kpuine
