The Federal Government has announced the conferment of national honours on several eminent Nigerians in recognition of their outstanding service and contributions to the nation.
Among the honourees are legal luminaries, academics, journalists, public servants, and political figures. Notably, human rights advocate Barrister Femi Falana (SAN), alongside Prof. Shafideen Amuwo, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Odia Ofeimun, and Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, were awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Also honoured with the CON are Barrister Felix Morka, Barrister Ledum Mitee, Hon. Olawale Osun, Dr. Amos Akingba, Prof. Segun Gbadegesin, Dr. Kayode Shonoiki, and Prof. Bayo Williams.
Mr. Nick Dazang, Hon. Labaran Maku, Barrister Luke Aghanenu, Hon. Abdul Oroh, and Seye Kehinde were conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Mobolaji Akinyemi, Sen. Abu Ibrahim, and Sen. Ame Ebute were honoured with the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), while Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu received the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) for his significant contributions to journalism and national discourse.
In a solemn tribute, the government also conferred posthumous honours on the late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and his eight fellow activists, collectively known as the Ogoni Nine, who were executed in 1995. The awards include:
- Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON)
- Saturday Dobee (OON)
- Nordu Eawo (OON)
- Daniel Gbooko (OON)
- Paul Levera (OON)
- Felix Nuate (OON)
- Baribor Bera (OON)
- Barinem Kiobel (OON)
- John Kpuine (OON)
Presiding officers of the National Assembly were also recognised for their leadership roles:
- Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON – Senate President
- Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON – Speaker of the House of Representatives
- Senator Jibrin Ibrahim Barau, CFR – Deputy Senate President
- Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR – Deputy Speaker
These awards reflect the government’s continued commitment to honouring individuals who have contributed meaningfully to Nigeria’s democracy, development, and national unity.
