President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred prestigious national honours on a host of distinguished Nigerians, including Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, the late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, in a landmark recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, justice, and national development.

 

In the announcement released on Wednesday, the Presidency revealed a comprehensive list of 32 recipients drawn from diverse fields such as literature, journalism, law, activism, academia, and politics. The awards range from the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) to the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), and Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

 

Among the honourees are:

 

Prof. Wole Soyinka – GCON

 

Prof. Olatunji Dare – CON

 

Kunle Ajibade, Nosa Igiebor, Dapo Olorunyomi, Ayo Obe – OON

 

Bayo Onanuga, Dare Babarinsa, Bishop Matthew Kukah, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani – CON

 

Femi Falana, SAN, Prof. Shafideen Amuwo, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi – CON

 

Mobolaji Akinyemi, Senator Abu Ibrahim, Senator Ame Ebute – CFR

 

 

Posthumous recognitions were also extended, notably to Ken Saro-Wiwa, in a move that signals a potential softening of the Nigerian government’s stance on one of its most controversial human rights cases.

 

Other recipients include legal luminaries, veteran journalists, pro-democracy advocates, and scholars who have played significant roles in Nigeria’s socio-political evolution.

 

This wave of honours, observers note, may be part of President Tinubu’s broader effort to heal old wounds, recognize nation-builders, and forge a renewed sense of unity.

 

The full list includes:

 

1. Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON)

 

 

2. Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON)

 

 

3. Kunle Ajibade (OON)

 

 

4. Nosa Igiebor (OON)

 

 

5. Dapo Olorunyomi (OON)

 

 

6. Bayo Onanuga (CON)

 

 

7. Ayo Obe (OON)

 

 

8. Dare Babarinsa (CON)

 

 

9. Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON)

 

 

10. Senator Shehu Sani (CON)

 

 

11. Governor Uba Sani (CON)

 

 

12. Barrister Femi Falana, SAN (CON)

 

 

13. Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON)

 

 

14. Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON)

 

 

15. Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON)

 

 

16. Hon. Labaran Maku (OON)

 

 

17. Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON)

 

 

18. Mr Nick Dazang (OON)

 

 

19. Hon Abdul Oroh (OON)

 

 

20. Odia Ofeimun (CON)

 

 

21. Seye Kehinde (OON)

 

 

22. Barrister Felix Morka (CON)

 

 

23. Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON)

 

 

24. Hon. Olawale Osun (CON)

 

 

25. Dr. Amos Akingba (CON)

 

 

26. Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON)

 

 

27. Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR)

 

 

28. Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON)

 

 

29. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON)

 

 

30. Prof. Bayo Williams (CON)

 

 

31. Senator Abu Ibrahim (CFR)

 

 

32. Senator Ame Ebute (CFR)

 

 

 

This honours list is being widely seen as a nod to decades of intellectual, activist, and political engagement that helped shape modern Nigeria.