See FULL LIST of top Nigerians confered national honours by Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on several distinguished Nigerians, both living and deceased, in recognition of their immense contributions to democracy, human rights, literature, and national development.

The announcement was made during the President’s State of the Nation address at a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday in Abuja.

Among the top honorees was the late Kudirat Abiola, who was posthumously awarded the title of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR). Kudirat, the wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, was a fearless pro-democracy activist whose voice and activism became a rallying point during the struggle against military rule in the 1990s.

Renowned Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka was also honoured with the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), in recognition of his lifelong commitment to literature, truth, and justice.

Also honoured posthumously were General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, a key figure in Nigeria’s democracy movement, and Ken Saro-Wiwa, the iconic environmentalist and activist, along with other members of the Ogoni Nine—all of whom paid the ultimate price in the struggle for justice and human rights.

Tinubu also granted them a presidential pardon.

Below is the full list of the awardees as announced by President Tinubu:

Kudirat Abiola – CFR
Shehu Musa Yar’Adua – GCFR
Prof. Humphrey Nwosu – CON
Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu – CON
Alhaji Balarabe Musa – CFR
Pa Alfred Rewane – CFR
Bagauda Kaltho – OON
Chima Ubani – OON
Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti – CON
Alao Aka Bashorun – CON
Chief Frank Kokori – CON
Emma Ezeazu – OON
Bamidele Aturu – OON
Fredrick Fasehun – CON
Prof. Festus Iyayi – CON
Dr. John Yima Sen – OON
Alhaja Sawaba Gambo – CON
Dr. Edwin Madunagu – CON
Dr. Alex Ibru – CON
Chief Bola Ige – CFR
Pa Reuben Fasoranti – CFR
Senator Ayo Fasanmi – CON
Senator Polycarp Nwite – CON
Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo – CON
Prof. Wole Soyinka – GCON
Prof. Olatunji Dare – CON
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
Barrister Femi Falana, SAN – CON
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
Mobolaji Akinyemi – CFR
Dr. Kayode Shonoiki – CON
Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – CON
Prof. Bayo Williams – CON
Senator Abu Ibrahim – CFR
Senator Ame Ebute – CFR
Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu – CON
Ken Saro-Wiwa – CON
Saturday Dobee – OON
Nordu Eawo – OON
Daniel Gbooko – OON
Paul Levera – OON
Felix Nuate – OON
Baribor Bera – OON
Barinem Kiobel – OON
John Kpuine – OON

“I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State,” the President added.