By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on veteran journalist Babajide Kolade-Otitoju and several pro-democracy activists in recognition of their roles in Nigeria’s struggle for democratic rule.
The President announced the honours on Thursday, 11 June, 2026 during his Democracy Day address, where he paid tribute to individuals who endured persecution, incarceration, exile and other forms of repression in the fight to restore democratic governance following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Tinubu said the awardees made immense sacrifices to defend democratic ideals at a time when doing so came at great personal risk.
“I am also pleased to announce national awards to the following Nigerians, who suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today,” the President said.
Among those honoured were Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Richard Akinnola, Joe Igbokwe, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Chief Ralph Obiora, Debo Adeniran, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Dr Osagie Obayuwana, Femi Aborisade, Jenkins Alumona, Gbemiga Ogunleye and Muyiwa Adekeye.
Also recognised were prominent journalists and media advocates, including Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Segun Babatope, Sam Omatseye, Sir Ademola Osinubi, Bola Bolawole, Lade Bonuola and Femi Kusa.
Furthermore, the President posthumously honoured Dr Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi for their contributions to the pro-democracy movement.
Tinubu noted that the honourees stood firm in defence of democracy despite intimidation, harassment and repression during one of the most turbulent periods in Nigeria’s political history.
He also paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, as well as Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and other heroes whose sacrifices helped shape the country’s democratic journey.
Meanwhile, the President announced the Federal Government’s approval for the revitalisation and renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology in honour of the late pro-democracy advocate.
In addition, Tinubu recognised a number of military officers who supported the June 12 struggle, describing them as soldier-democrats who played significant roles in the defence of democratic governance.
The President said the full honours list would be released in the coming days.
He urged Nigerians to remain committed to the ideals of democracy, unity and national development, stressing that while the June 12 generation secured political freedom, the responsibility of the present generation is to secure economic prosperity.
According to him, every generation is defined by a historic responsibility. He noted that while Nigeria’s founding fathers secured independence and the June 12 generation secured democracy, the current generation must focus on building prosperity and expanding opportunities for all citizens.
The recognition of Kolade-Otitoju and other pro-democracy activists was one of the major highlights of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, as Nigeria marked 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule and reflected on the sacrifices that made it possible.
