President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured 33 Nigerians for their contributions to the country’s pro-democracy struggle while reaffirming his administration’s hardline stance against terrorism and insecurity.
In his 2026 Democracy Day address, Tinubu said the honourees drawn from journalism, activism, academia, civil society, and public service endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and intimidation during the struggle for democratic governance in Nigeria.
He said their sacrifices must be permanently recognised as part of the nation’s democratic history, adding that a formal honours list will be released in the coming days.
Full List of Honourees (33 Nigerians):
Barrister Ayoka Lawani
Tunde Fagbenle
Oladele Alake
Olatunji Bello
Louis Odion
Segun Babatope
Sam Omatseye
Sir Ademola Osinubi
Bola Bolawole
Lade Bonuola
Femi Kusa
Debo Adeniran
Chief Ayo Opadokun
Chief Ralph Obiora
Ose Osayande
Barrister Osa Director
Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine
Dr Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous)
Dr Osagie Obayuwana
Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin
Barrister Titus Mann
Joe Igbokwe
Richard Akinnola
Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous)
George Mbah
Dr Niran Malaolu
Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd)
Femi Aborisade
Jenkins Alumona
Gbemiga Ogunleye
Muyiwa Adekeye
Babajide Kolade-Otitoju
Ike Okonta
On security, the President reiterated that terrorists, kidnappers, and their sponsors must surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian state, stressing that “no mercy” will be shown to those responsible for violence.
He highlighted ongoing security reforms, including recruitment of over 50,000 police officers, expanded military enlistment, and a ₦5.41 trillion allocation to defence in the 2026 budget.
Despite the tough stance, Tinubu said rehabilitation pathways remain open for repentant fighters under government programmes.
