RismadarVoice Reporters
June 12, 2036
President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on 51 distinguished Nigerians, including journalists, pro-democracy campaigners and retired military officers, in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The announcement was made during his nationwide address marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration and 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in the country.
Paying tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Tinubu described democracy as Nigeria’s most viable path to national development despite its imperfections.
Among those honoured 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, Tunde Fagbenle, Sam Omatseye and Olatunji Bello also made the honourees.
Civil rights advocates, including Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Richard Akinnola and Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, were similarly recognised for their roles in the struggle for democratic governance.
The President also acknowledged the contributions of retired military officers who opposed military dictatorship and supported democratic ideals. Those recognised include Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd), Colonel Lawan Gwadabe (retd), Major-General Ishola Williams (retd) and Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar (retd), the Etsu Nupe.
As part of the commemoration, Tinubu approved the renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology, honouring the late military officer and pro-democracy figure.
Addressing national security concerns, particularly the recent abductions of students in Oyo and Borno states, the President stressed that democracy cannot thrive without security.
He disclosed that the 2026 budget allocates a record N5.41 trillion to defence and security, while more than 50,000 additional police personnel are being recruited to strengthen law enforcement efforts nationwide.
Tinubu warned criminal groups, including terrorists, kidnappers and bandits, to either surrender or face intensified government action. He cited security improvements, claiming that terrorism-related fatalities have significantly declined while thousands of insurgents have been neutralised over the past year.
On the economy, the President defended the reforms introduced by his administration, describing them as necessary measures aimed at restoring fiscal stability and investor confidence. According to him, the next phase of governance will focus on ensuring that ordinary Nigerians experience tangible economic benefits through job creation, reduced inflation and increased productivity.
To tackle challenges in the electricity sector, Tinubu announced that the Presidential Power Sector Task Force has been authorised to raise a N4 trillion bond to clear longstanding debts affecting the power value chain. He noted that ongoing implementation of the Electricity Act is already encouraging greater state participation in power generation and distribution.
The President also reiterated his administration’s commitment to local government autonomy, arguing that effective grassroots governance is essential for sustainable development and improved security across the country.
Calling on political institutions, electoral authorities and stakeholders to safeguard democratic principles ahead of upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain committed to democratic values.
He emphasised that while previous generations secured Nigeria’s independence and democracy, the current generation must focus on achieving widespread prosperity and economic freedom for all citizens.
