President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to safeguarding and deepening democratic governance in Nigeria, vowing to do all within his power to uphold and advance democratic values across the country.
He made this pledge during his State of the Nation address at a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja, held in commemoration of Democracy Day.
During the ceremony, the president conferred national honours on several notable Nigerians for their contributions to the nation’s democratic journey and public service. Among the recipients was Kudirat Abiola, wife of the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola; former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), Humphrey Nwosu; and a former vice president.
Humphrey Nwosu was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), while the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua was posthumously honoured with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), Nigeria’s highest national honour.
Others recognised included human rights lawyer Femi Falana, Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah.
Additionally, the president conferred a national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on veteran journalist and publisher, Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to journalism, as he marks his 90th birthday on June 13.
President Tinubu said the awards serve as a tribute to the enduring efforts of individuals who have played key roles in shaping the country’s democratic and civic landscape.