President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has placed journalists and pro-democracy campaigners at the centre of this year’s Democracy Day celebrations, announcing national honours for several media professionals and activists whose voices and sacrifices helped sustain Nigeria’s long march to democratic rule.

During his nationwide broadcast commemorating June 12 on Friday, the President said the country’s democracy rests on the courage of men and women who resisted intimidation, challenged military dictatorship and continued to demand justice despite imprisonment, harassment and exile.

In a significant recognition of the media’s role in defending democracy, Tinubu named several journalists and public commentators among the recipients of the national honours.

Those recognised include veteran journalists and columnists such as Tunde Fagbenle, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Sam Omatseye, Bola Bolawole, Femi Kusa, Gbemiga Ogunleye and Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, among others.

The President said the honour acknowledges the invaluable contributions of journalists who kept the democratic struggle alive through fearless reporting, advocacy and unwavering commitment to truth, even in the face of repression.

“Today, we salute Nigerians who refused to abandon their belief in freedom and democracy.

We honour those who paid a heavy price so that future generations can enjoy the liberties we cherish today,” Tinubu declared.

Beyond the media community, the President also announced honours for several pro-democracy activists and political figures, including Joe Okei-Odumakin, Debo Adeniran, Ayo Opadokun,  Richard Akinnola, amongst several others,  all of whom played pivotal roles in the campaign to actualise the June 12, 1993 presidential mandate.

Furthermore, Tinubu recognised a number of retired military officers whom he described as “soldier-democrats” for standing on the side of democracy during one of the nation’s most turbulent political periods.

The President disclosed that the full honours list would be unveiled in the coming days.

Meanwhile, he announced another symbolic gesture by approving the renaming of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna after the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.

According to him, the institution will now be known as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology in honour of the late statesman’s enduring contributions to democratic development and national unity.

Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Tinubu paid glowing tribute to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, and his late wife, Kudirat Abiola, whose sacrifices became rallying points in the struggle against military rule.

He also remembered other democracy icons, including Gani Fawehinmi, Bola Ige, Alfred Rewane, Abraham Adesanya and Beko Ransome-Kuti, describing them as patriots whose courage helped shape modern democratic Nigeria.

The President, however, stressed that honouring these heroes should not end with ceremonies and awards

Instead, he urged Nigerians to preserve democratic values, strengthen institutions and build a nation where justice, accountability and freedom flourish.

Despite the country’s present challenges, Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, insisting that the resilience and diversity of its people remain the bedrock of its democracy.

“June 12 reminds us that Nigerians are resilient. We may bend under pressure, and we may endure difficult moments, but we do not break,” the President said.