President Confers National Honours on Soyinka, Kukah, Falana, Others; Grants Posthumous Pardon to Ken Saro-Wiwa and Ogoni Nine
ABUJA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the conferment of national honours on a distinguished list of eminent Nigerians across various fields, including literature, journalism, human rights, governance, and academia.
Topping the list is Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, who was decorated with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). Others honoured include Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), renowned journalist and journalism teacher; Kunle Ajibade (OON); Nosa Igiebor (OON); Dapo Olorunyomi (OON); Bayo Onanuga (CON); Ayo Obe (OON); Dare Babarinsa (CON); Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON); Senator Shehu Sani (CON); Governor Uba Sani (CON); and Barrister Femi Falana, SAN (CON).
Also receiving national honours were Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON), Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON), Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), Hon. Labaran Maku (OON), Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), Mr. Nick Dazang (OON), Hon. Abdul Oroh (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Seye Kehinde (OON), Barrister Felix Morka (CON), Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON), Hon. Olawale Osun (CON), Dr. Amos Akingba (CON), Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON), Prof. Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR), Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON), Prof. Bayo Williams (CON), Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR), and Sen. Ameh Ebute (CFR).
The president also announced a GCON award for General Alani Akinrinade, in recognition of his lifelong service to the nation.
In a symbolic gesture of appreciation for his unwavering contribution to journalism and publishing, Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, the veteran journalist and founder of Vanguard Newspapers, was honoured with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), as he celebrates his 90th birthday on June 13.
In a historic and emotional move, President Tinubu posthumously conferred national honours on Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON) and the rest of the Ogoni Nine, including Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine, who were all honoured with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
The president further announced the exercise of his powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant a full state pardon to Saro-Wiwa and his fellow campaigners, stating that more names will be unveiled following consultations with the National Council of State.
Concluding the ceremony, President Tinubu decorated the presiding officers of the National Assembly with the National Honours previously conferred on them in 2024.
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