President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) honor to veteran journalist and Vanguard publisher Sam Amuka, celebrating his lifelong contributions to journalism and Nigeria’s development. Announced during his Democracy Day speech at the National Assembly, Tinubu praised Amuka, who turns 90 on June 13, for his steadfast dedication to his profession. The gesture was warmly received by lawmakers and dignitaries, highlighting Amuka’s influential role in shaping the Nigerian media landscape.
Additionally, the President announced several other national honors, including posthumous awards to key figures in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, such as Kudirat Abiola (CFR), Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alfred Rewane (CFR), and Bagauda Kaltho (OON), recognizing their bravery and commitment to democracy.
The living honorees included distinguished figures such as 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). President Tinubu emphasized that these awards honor those who sacrificed for Nigeria’s democracy and stressed the importance of preserving their legacies to sustain the nation’s democratic progress.