By Ihotu Uriel
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, in recognition of his exceptional service to the nation.
The award was presented during President Tinubu’s address to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on June 12, as part of events marking Democracy Day 2025.
Dr. Alausa was honoured alongside a host of distinguished Nigerians for their outstanding contributions to the growth of democracy, promotion of human rights, excellence in journalism, public service, and national development.
Foremost among the honourees was Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, who received the country’s second-highest national honour Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) in acknowledgment of his decades-long advocacy for civil liberties and democratic ideals.
Other awardees included prominent journalists, activists, scholars, legal icons, and public servants. They received various honours, including Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), and Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Full List of Honourees and Titles:
GCON: Prof. Wole Soyinka
CFR: Prof. Mobolaji Akinyemi, Senator Abu Ibrahim, Senator Ameh Ebute
CON: Dr. Tunji Alausa, Prof. Olatunji Dare, Bayo Onanuga, Dare Babarinsa, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Femi Falana (SAN), Prof. Shafideen Amuwo, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Odia Ofeimun, Felix Morka, Ledum Mitee, Olawale Osun, Amos Akingba, Segun Gbadegesin, Kayode Shonoiki, Julius Ihonvbere, Bayo Williams
OON: Kunle Ajibade, Nosa Igiebor, Dapo Olorunyomi, Ayo Obe, Luke Aghanenu, Labaran Maku, Nick Dazang, Abdul Oroh, Seye Kehinde
In his remarks, President Tinubu commended the recipients for their steadfast commitment to the principles of democracy and nation-building, stating that their lives and legacies serve as powerful reminders of the values that define Nigeria’s journey as a democratic nation.
“These individuals have demonstrated uncommon courage, patriotism, and leadership. By honouring them today, we celebrate not only their personal achievements but also the democratic spirit that continues to move our country forward,” Tinubu said.
The recognition, according to the presidency, is part of an ongoing initiative to honour Nigerians whose work and convictions have shaped the nation’s democratic evolution and inspired unity, justice, and social progress.
