President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on several distinguished Nigerians, both living and late, in recognition of their service to the nation, especially in the context of the June 12 democratic struggle.
Among the honourees is the frontline journalist and publisher of City People magazine, Mr Seye Kehinde.
The announcement, made on Thursday, included posthumous awards for late pro-democracy heroes such as Kudirat Abiola, who was honoured with the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) title for her role in the campaign to validate the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Other posthumous recipients include former chief of staff Musa Yar’Adua, awarded the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR); former national electoral commission chairman Humphrey Nwosu (CON); Ndubuisi Kanu (CON); and renowned environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), along with the rest of the Ogoni Nine. All of them were granted full presidential pardons.
Living awardees include media and civil rights personalities such as Olatunji Dare (CON), Kunle Ajibade (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON) and lawyer Ayo Obe (OON).
Other names on the honours list include Senator Shehu Sani, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Prof. Shafideen Amuwo, Barr. Ledum Mitee, Labaran Maku, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, and Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi.
The awards range from Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) to Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Recall President Bola Tinubu, in April 2025 congratulated Mr Seye Kehinde, on his 60th birthday.
The President praised him for his significant contributions to the media, including establishing the City People Magazine in November 1996, which has profoundly impacted people and society reporting in the journalism industry.
Seye Kehinde worked in African Concord until April 1992, when he resigned and teamed up with five other professionals to set up The NEWS Magazine and TEMPO in 1993. From there, he moved on to found City People.
“Seye’s over thirty years of impactful journalism practice and his progression from daring reporter and editor to media entrepreneur remain an inspiration to the younger generation, underscoring the fact that with hard work, dedication, and consistency, they too can reach the zenith of the profession,” the President said.
President Tinubu urged Seye Kehinde to remain focused and continue to advance the cause of good, people-oriented journalism in this age of technology and digital media.
While wishing him a most memorable 60th birthday, the President prayed that God Almighty grant Seye Kehinde many more years and continued good health.
Full list:
- Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON)
- Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON)
- Kunle Ajibade (OON)
- Nosa Igiebor (OON)
- Dapo Olorunyomi (OON)
- 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)
- Sen. Ame Ebute (CFR)
- Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu
- Ken Saro Wiwa (CON)
- Saturday Dobee (OON)
- Nordu Eawo (OON)
- Daniel Gbooko (OON)
- Paul Levera (OON)
- Felix Nuate (OON)
- Baribor Bera (OON)
- Barinem Kiobel (OON)
- John Kpuine (OON)