By Ghazali Ibrahim 
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the prestigious title of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Professor Wole Soyinka, Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate and globally acclaimed literary icon.
The honour was made , in commemoration of Democracy day, recognising individuals who played pivotal roles in the country’s democratic journey from military rule.
The announcement, made on Thursday, comes as part of a broader effort to honour both living and posthumous heroes of Nigeria’s struggle for democracy, particularly those linked to the events surrounding June 12, 1993, widely regarded as the most credible election in the country’s history.
Soyinka, known for his unwavering advocacy for justice, human rights, and democratic governance, becomes one of the few cultural figures to receive such a high-ranking national honour.
The GCON is Nigeria’s second-highest national decoration, typically reserved for vice presidents, chief justices, and distinguished statesmen.
Widely respected for his fearless criticism of successive military regimes and his literary contributions that spotlight the African experience, Soyinka’s honour is seen as a long-overdue recognition of his service to Nigeria’s sociopolitical conscience.
Also honoured were prominent Nigerians such as Femi Falana (SAN), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, alongside journalists and civil society figures who helped shape Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement.
The president also conferred posthumous awards on Kudirat Abiola (CFR), Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), and Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON) and his fellow Ogoni Nine who were granted full presidential pardons.
National Assembly leaders received decorations for their previously announced honours, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, both of whom were also conferred with the GCON.
The honours reflect the administration’s attempt to officially acknowledge the contributions of figures who have shaped Nigeria’s democratic evolution through activism, writing, governance, and sacrifice.
