Bayo Onanuga, a prominent Nigerian journalist and democracy activist, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for conferring a national honour on him and other colleagues who fought for democracy during Nigeria's dark military era.

In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Onanuga acknowledged the recognition with appreciation: "Thank you, Mr. President, for the national honours for me and many of my colleagues, who 'braved the odds and the guns' to enthrone democracy and fight for the de-annulment of the June 12 election result. I am grateful for the recognition and will continue to serve my country in the best way I know."

Democracy Day Honours

Onanuga's recognition comes as part of President Tinubu's Democracy Day commemoration, where he addressed a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday. During this historic address, the President announced national honours for numerous democracy advocates who played crucial roles in Nigeria's struggle against military rule.

Onanuga, who was conferred with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), was recognized alongside other media practitioners and activists who used their platforms to challenge military dictatorship and advocate for the validation of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

"As we mark a twenty-sixth year of unbroken democracy, it is right to honour those who have made sacrifices in the past, braving all the odds and the guns to ensure we have a regime of democracy in our country," President Tinubu stated during the ceremony.

Other Notable Honourees

The extensive list of honourees included posthumous recognition for several democracy martyrs, including Kudirat Abiola (CFR), Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), Shehu Musa Yar'Adua (GCFR), and other members of the Ogoni Nine, who also received presidential pardons.

Living recipients included literary icon Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), journalist Kunle Ajibade (OON), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), human rights lawyer Femi Falana (CON), and veteran publisher Sam Amuka Pemu (CON).

Onanuga's recognition is particularly significant given his role as a frontline journalist during the June 12 struggle. As a co-founder of TheNEWS magazine and Tempo publications, he provided platforms for pro-democracy voices when many media outlets were silenced by the military regime.

The national honours ceremony forms part of President Tinubu's broader commemoration of Democracy Day, which also included highlighting his administration's economic achievements and reaffirming commitment to democratic principles.

Follow BenriNews on Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | WhatsApp | Telegram