President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on veteran journalist and publisher of Vang
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on veteran journalist and publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Sam Amuka, ahead of his 90th birthday tomorrow,
The national honour is in recognition of his lifetime contributions to journalism and national development.
Announcing the honour during his Democracy Day address at the joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, Tinubu praised the nonagenarian media icon for remaining steadfast in his calling.
“Additionally, I confer the national honour of CON on Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu, a legendary journalist and publisher who remains true to his lifetime calling as he marks his 90th birthday tomorrow, June 13,” the President said.
In addition to Amuka, Tinubu also announced a series of national honours to both living and deceased figures who played significant roles in the fight for democracy, particularly those connected to the June 12 struggle.
A notable posthumous honour was awarded to Kudirat Abiola, wife of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, who was assassinated for her role in championing the democratic cause during military rule. She received the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).
“I announce the conferment of the posthumous national honour of CFR on Kudirat Abiola, the heroine of the June 12 struggle,” Tinubu declared.
Others honoured posthumously include former Chief of Staff, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof.
Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Pa Alfred Rewane (CFR), and Bagauda Kaltho (OON), among others who were lauded for their courage and commitment to democratic ideals.
Living honourees included Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), activist-lawyer Femi Falana, SAN (CON), and prominent journalists like Kunle Ajibade (OON), Nosa Igiebor (OON), and Dapo Olorunyomi (OON).
Others include; Chima Ubani (OON), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Alao Aka Bashorun (CON), Chief Frank Kokori (CON), Emma Ezeazu (OON), Bamidele Aturu (OON), Fredrick Fasehun (CON), Professor Festus Iyayi (CON), Dr John Yima Sen (OON), Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON), Dr. Edwin Madunagu (CON), Dr. Alex Ibru (CON), Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Pa. Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON) and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).
I also confer national honours on Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON); Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Senator Shehu Sani (CON), Governor Uba Sani (CON), Barrister Femi Falana, SAN (CON), Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON), Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON), Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), Hon. Labaran Maku (OON), Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), Mr Nick Dazang (OON), Hon Abdul Oroh (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Seye Kehinde (OON), Barrister Felix Morka (CON) Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON), Hon. Olawale Osun (CON), Dr. Amos Akingba (CON), Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON), Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR), Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON), Prof. Bayo Williams (CON), Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR), and Sen. Ame Ebute (CFR).
President Tinubu said the honours were a tribute to those who sacrificed for Nigeria’s democracy, adding that recognising their legacy was vital to preserving the nation’s democratic journey.
