President Bola Tinubu on Thursday conferred national honours on Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, among others.

Speaking at a special joint session of the National Assembly to commemorate Democracy Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s democratic ideals while honouring the memories of those who paid the ultimate price for the nation’s freedom.

In one of the day’s most emotional moments, Tinubu announced a series of national honours to recognise key figures in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.

Top on the list was a posthumous Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) award for Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, the late wife of Chief MKO Abiola, who was assassinated during the fight against military rule.

Others honoured posthumously included Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), and environmental rights icon Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), along with his fellow Ogoni Nine.

In a historic gesture, Tinubu also granted a presidential pardon to the Ogoni activists, describing it as a long overdue step towards national healing.

Living legends such as Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Bishop Matthew Kukah (CON), and human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN, CON) were equally recognised for their decades-long advocacy for justice and good governance.

The President further used the occasion to call on lawmakers and citizens alike to recommit to the enduring values of June 12 freedom, social justice, and accountable governance.