As part of the 32nd anniversary of the historic June 12, 1993 elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, addressed a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, 12th June 2025. During his address, the President conferred national honours on 63 individuals, 31 posthumously and 32 who are still living in recognition of their pivotal roles in defending democracy and upholding the will of the Nigerian people during one of the most trying periods in our nation’s history.
This action is not only historic but also deeply symbolic. For the first time, national recognition has been given in such a substantial manner to those who laboured, suffered, and, in many cases, paid the ultimate price for the sustenance of democratic governance. We commend President Tinubu for taking this bold and timely step. His action reflects not just his personal experience in the struggle but also a statesman’s humility in acknowledging the collective sacrifices of others.
A respected media organisation recently highlighted that, while the list of honourees was extensive and well-considered, there remain several deserving Nigerians whose contributions were critical yet not captured in this first phase. Among them are:
Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a consistent and fearless NADECO elder who stood as a moral pillar against military rule;
Mrs Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, whose voice and visibility during the period were impactful;
Chief Dele Momodu, a journalist and publisher whose platforms gave voice to the voiceless;
Omoyele Sowore, an activist and advocate who rallied youth and sustained media resistance;
Late Prince Adeniyi Adele, former Chairman of Lagos Island, who remained in Nigeria during the height of repression and offered support to many;
Major Abubakar Umar (rtd), the only military officer who publicly condemned the annulment of the June 12 election;
Richard Akinnola II and numerous others from the civil society community who stood firmly despite threats and persecution.
Collectively urge national recognition for institutions that demonstrated immense courage and impact, such as DAAR Communications (owners of AIT and RayPower FM), The Punch Newspapers, and many independent journalists and editors whose contributions have not faded from public memory.
Another important segment that must not be overlooked is the Nigerian diaspora, whose role in the democratic struggle was vital. Many citizens abroad opened their homes, funded resistance movements, engaged the international community, and provided safe havens for exiled democracy advocates. Their names may never be on front pages, but their influence was foundational.
While we acknowledge that some of the individuals honoured may already have streets or institutions named after them, the President and Mentoring of Commandant of NIDMECORP, MC Alistair added, “we appeal for a coordinated national effort to institutionalise their memories. This could include:”
“Naming national monuments, legal institutes, media and leadership centres, or human rights organisations after specific honourees;”
“Establishing a “June 12 Democracy Hall of Remembrance” — a digital and physical archive that documents all contributors to Nigeria’s democratic journey;”
“Creating an annual public engagement platform, such as lectures, competitions, or youth democracy leadership fellowships, in their names or government sees deemed”.
“These actions would ensure that our collective democratic memory is preserved, not only through titles but through visible and enduring legacy projects. It would inspire future generations to learn from, emulate, and honour the values of courage, equity, sacrifice, and patriotism”, he concluded.
We recognised Mr. President Tinubu for this initiative on honouring them. By taking these further steps, His Excellency would be building a historical legacy beyond politics, one that cements Nigeria’s democracy in principle and in practice.
Let this Democracy Day be remembered as a landmark not only for what was done but for what it made possible in preserving the conscience of the nation.
