In a historic gesture marking Democracy Day 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu posthumously conferred national honors on a host of individuals who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
Chief among them was Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, posthumously awarded the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), recognized as a courageous heroine of Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement.
The ceremony honored both the deceased and living champions of democracy, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions to Nigeria’s political development.
Among the top posthumous awards:
CFR recipients included:
Alhaja Kudirat Abiola
Alhaji Balarabe Musa
Pa Alfred Rewane
Chief Bola Ige
Pa Reuben Fasoranti
Senator Abu Ibrahim
Senator Ame Ebute
GCFR, Nigeria’s highest national honor, was posthumously awarded to:
Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua
CON awardees included several prominent activists and figures such as:
Prof. Humphrey Nwosu
Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti
Alao Aka Bashorun
Chief Frank Kokori
Ken Saro Wiwa
Barinem Kiobel
Emma Ezeazu
Bamidele Aturu
Mobolaji Akinyemi (also listed among living honorees)
OON was conferred posthumously on:
Investigative journalist Bagauda Kaltho
Activists Chima Ubani and Emma Ezeazu
Several Ogoni Nine members including Nordu Eawo, Baribor Bera, and John Kpuine
President Tinubu also recognized key figures who continue to champion democratic values:
GCON:
Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka
CFR:
Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi
CON:
Prof. Olatunji Dare
Journalists Bayo Onanuga and Dare Babarinsa
Bishop Matthew Kukah
Senator Shehu Sani
Legal icon Femi Falana, SAN
Prof. Shafideen Amuwo, among others
OON:
Prominent journalists and civil society leaders including Kunle Ajibade, Nosa Igiebor, and Ayo Obe
Top leaders of the National Assembly, previously honored, were also acknowledged:
GCON:
Senate President Godswill Akpabio
House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas
CFR:
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu
