By David Peter

In observance of Democracy Day, Nigeria commemorates the restoration of democracy in the country. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on Thursday announced the conferment of a ‘Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)’ honour on Bayo Onanuga.

 

June 12 is a national public holiday in Nigeria, symbolizing the country’s journey towards democratic governance. The National Honours was established by the National Honours Act CAP N43 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. The act empowers the President to establish by Warrant the Nigeria Order of Dignity to honour deserving citizens who have contributed to the development and progress of the country, as well as to any human field of endeavour, which took effect from 1st October, 1963.

 

Bayo Onanuga, enlisted as one of the CON recipients, for the National Honour Award, his announcement sent waves of excitement through the nation’s capital, with many hailing the recognition as a well-deserved tribute to Bayo’s contribution to Nigerian journalism.

 

Onanuga’s dedication to truthful reporting and insightful commentary during the military era of Sani Abacha led to his being held captive by the State Security Service in Lagos for some time, but he later escaped, left the country, and returned in 1997 after the death of Abacha. This led to the resignation of many staff from major newspapers in Nigeria due to his critical story published about the military era in a protest for MKO Abiola, but they were asked to apologize to the military era’s leaders. Onanuga’s democratic struggles mark the annulled general election of June 12, 1993, which is considered one of the fairest elections in Nigeria’s history.

 

As the ceremony approached, Bayo’s colleagues and peers reflected on his remarkable career, marked by a commitment to ethical journalism and a passion for investigative communication and storytelling. The CON award would be a fitting acknowledgement of his impact on Nigerian media and society.

 

While Bayo Onanuga acknowledged the support of his family, colleagues, and mentors, he emphasized the importance of a civil press in a democratic society. This recognition solidified Bayo’s status as a leading figure in Nigerian journalism.

 

Overall, Democracy Day in Nigeria serves as a reminder of the country’s struggles and progress towards achieving solid democratic governance.

 

The National Honours Awards for the Democracy Day 2025, CON Recipients announced by President Bola Tinubu were: Alao Aka Bashorun*, Ken Saro-Wiwa*, Alhaja Sawaba Gambo*, Bayo Onanuga, and Governor Uba Sani.

 

Others include: Barrister Felix Morka, Bishop Matthew Hassan, Ledum Mitee, Mobolaji Akinyemi, Olawale Osun, Prof. Bayo Williams Kukah, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu*, Chief Frank Kokori*, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Dare Babarinsa, Prof. Olatunji Dare, Dr John Yima Sen*, Dr. Alex Ibru*, Dr. Amos Akingba, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti*, Dr. Edwin Madunagu, Dr. Kayode Shonoiki, Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo*, Femi Falana, SAN, Fredrick Fasehun*, Prof. Segun Gbadegesin, Prof. Shafideen Amuwo, Professor Festus lyayi*, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu*, Sen. Ayo Fasanmi*, Sen. Polycarp Nwite*, Senator Shehu Sani, and Tokunbo Afikuyomi Tunji Alausa. (Asterisk (*) indicates posthumous awards).