President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on 66 Nigerians — both living and deceased — in recognition of their pivotal roles in Nigeria’s democratic journey, including a landmark posthumous pardon and recognition for the late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other members of the Ogoni Nine.

Speaking at a joint sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday, Tinubu announced the honours as part of broader efforts to immortalise the sacrifices made in the struggle for democracy and justice.

Among the most notable recognitions was the posthumous award of Nigeria’s highest national honour, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), to Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, a former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters. Yar’Adua, who died in prison in 1997, becomes only the third non-president to receive the GCFR, joining the ranks of Obafemi Awolowo and M.K.O. Abiola.

“Shehu Yar’Adua epitomised courage and unity. He died a political prisoner but lives forever as a national hero,” Tinubu said.

Also honoured were Kudirat Abiola, who was posthumously awarded Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), and Humphrey Nwosu, the former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission, who was awarded Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). Tinubu praised them for their roles in the June 12 pro-democracy movement and for defending electoral integrity.

“Kudirat Abiola was the voice of a silenced mandate. Her assassination in 1996 could not extinguish the flame she lit for justice,” Tinubu said. “Professor Nwosu stood for truth, transparency, and a new vision of electoral integrity in Nigeria.”

In a historic move, Tinubu also announced a full posthumous pardon for Ken Saro-Wiwa and his eight fellow Ogoni activists — known collectively as the Ogoni Nine — who were executed in 1995 under the military regime of Sani Abacha.

Saro-Wiwa, a writer and environmentalist, was posthumously awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), while his colleagues — Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine — were each conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

“I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon,” Tinubu declared. “Their unjust execution became a global symbol of the struggle against environmental injustice and authoritarian repression.”

The execution of the Ogoni Nine sparked international condemnation and led to Nigeria’s suspension from the Commonwealth. Their posthumous recognition, nearly 30 years later, follows longstanding calls from both local and international human rights groups for justice and official exoneration.

The full list of honourees reflects a broad spectrum of civil rights advocates, journalists, lawyers, and politicians who played vital roles in defending democratic principles. Other notable recipients include Wole Soyinka (GCON), Bola Ige (CFR), Femi Falana (CON), Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), and Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON).

“Today, we immortalise not just names, but ideals — sacrifice, courage, and unwavering belief in a democratic Nigeria,” Tinubu concluded.

Selected List of National Honourees:

• Shehu Musa Yar’Adua – GCFR

• Kudirat Abiola – CFR

• Humphrey Nwosu – CON

• Ken Saro-Wiwa – CON

• Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, John Kpuine – OON

• Wole Soyinka – GCON

• Bola Ige – CFR

• Femi Falana – CON

• Reuben Fasoranti – CFR

• Ndubuisi Kanu, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Alao Aka Bashorun, Frank Kokori, Sawaba Gambo, Edwin Madunagu, Matthew Hassan Kukah – CON

• Kunle Ajibade, Nosa Igiebor, Dapo Olorunyomi, Seye Kehinde – OON

The complete list includes individuals from all geopolitical zones, highlighting a shared national history of resistance, advocacy, and the long struggle for democracy.