Tinubu Honours June 12 Heroes, Awards Pro-Democracy Activists, Soldier-Democrats

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced national honours for dozens of Nigerians who played prominent roles in the struggle for democratic rule, recognising activists, journalists, political figures and military officers for their sacrifices during the June 12 era.

Speaking during his 2026 Democracy Day address, the President said the awards were in recognition of the courage, resilience and commitment shown by individuals who endured imprisonment, harassment, exile and other forms of persecution while fighting for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.

Among those honoured are veteran journalists and activists, including Tunde Fagbenle, Sam Omatseye, Bola Bolawole, Richard Akinnola, Debo Adeniran, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Dr Osagie Obayuwana, Femi Aborisade, Gbemiga Ogunleye, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju and Ike Okonta.

Several political figures and democracy advocates were also recognised, including Chief Ayo Opadokun, Chief Ralph Obiora, Joe Igbokwe, Ose Osayande, Barrister Osa Director and Barrister Ayoka Lawani.

Tinubu further approved posthumous honours for renowned democracy advocates Dr Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Soldier-Democrats Recognised

In a significant move, the President also honoured a number of retired and serving military officers he described as “soldier-democrats” for supporting democratic reforms during the June 12 struggle.

Those recognised include Major General M.A. Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Colonel Umar Farouk Ahmed, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong, Major General Chris Eze, Major General Harris Dzarma, Colonel Isa Jibrin, Major General Joseph Oshanupin and Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus, among others.

According to Tinubu, their actions demonstrated that the fight for democracy was supported by both civilians and members of the armed forces.

Institute Renamed After Yar’Adua

The President also 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 General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, whom he described as a key figure in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

Tinubu said the full list of honourees and details of the awards would be released in the coming days.

The recognition of June 12 activists and military figures formed a major highlight of this year’s Democracy Day celebration, with the President describing their sacrifices as pivotal to Nigeria’s democratic progress.