Nigerian men of letters in National Honours roll

On Democracy Day 2025, something remarkable happened. President Bola Tinubu stood before the nation and did something that many thought was long overdue, he honoured Nigeria’s writers, journalists and thinkers who have spent their lives telling the country’s stories, often at great personal risk.

Speaking to a packed National Assembly, the president rolled out a list of national honour recipients that read like a who’s who of Nigerian literature and journalism, acknowledgments for people who have used their pens as swords, fighting for truth and democracy when it wasn’t easy or safe to do so.

What made this moment special wasn’t just the recognition itself, but how it brought together voices from across the country. A Nobel Prize winner sat alongside fearless newspaper editors. University professors who have spent decades teaching children were honoured next to columnists who have never been afraid to speak truth to power. It didn’t matter which political party they supported or which part of Nigeria they come from, what mattered was that they had all used their talents to make Nigeria’s democracy stronger.

For too long, Nigeria’s writers and journalists have worked in the shadows, often facing threats, censorship, or simply being ignored while they documented the struggles and celebrated triumphs of citizens. 

They finally stepped into the light they’ve always deserved.

This wasn’t just about handing out medals. It was about a president saying, “We see you. We value what you do. Your words matter.” And in a country where the pen truly has been mightier than the sword, that recognition couldn’t have come at a better time.

Leading the charge and receiving the nation’s highest honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), is Professor Wole Soyinka. A towering figure on the global literary stage, Soyinka’s prolific career has spanned plays, poetry, novels, and essays, all imbued with his characteristic wit, biting satire, and an unyielding commitment to human rights and justice. 

From his early plays like A Dance of the Forests and The Lion and the Jewel to his powerful memoirs such as Ake: The Years of Childhood and You Must Set Forth at Dawn, Soyinka has consistently used his art to challenge tyranny and advocate for democratic governance. His relentless activism during various military regimes, often leading to detention and exile, cemented his reputation as a fearless voice of conscience. This GCON, therefore, is not merely for his literary genius but for his enduring and courageous struggle against oppression.

Another prominent name on the list, recognised with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), is Professor Olatunji Dare. A celebrated journalist, journalism teacher, and incisive columnist, Professor Dare has for decades graced the pages of Nigerian newspapers with his sharp analysis and eloquent prose. His columns, often characterised by their profound insights and fearless critique of political shenanigans, have educated and inspired generations of Nigerians. His dedication to upholding journalistic ethics and his role in shaping the minds of aspiring journalists underscore his invaluable contribution to the nation’s intellectual landscape.

The recognition of Kunle Ajibade with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) brought a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of press freedom. Ajibade, a renowned journalist and former editor of The News magazine, famously endured arbitrary imprisonment during the Sani Abacha regime on trumped-up charges of treason. His harrowing experience, meticulously documented in his memoir Jailed for Life: A Reporter’s Prison Notes, stands as a stark testament to the brutality faced by journalists who dared to speak truth to power. His unwavering spirit in the face of adversity and his continued commitment to robust journalism serve as an enduring inspiration.

Equally deserving of their honours are Odia Ofeimun (CON) and Dare Babarinsa (CON). Ofeimun, a celebrated poet, essayist, and political analyst, has consistently engaged with the socio-political realities of Nigeria through his powerful verse and insightful commentary. His works, often infused with a revolutionary zeal, reflect a deep commitment to social justice and good governance. Babarinsa, a veteran journalist and co-founder of Tell magazine, was a significant voice in the pro-democracy movement. His fearless reporting and unwavering dedication to investigative journalism, often under dangerous circumstances, played a crucial role in exposing the excesses of military rule.

The list further extended to include other significant figures who have contributed immensely through their literary and intellectual pursuits. Nosa Igiebor (OON) and Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), both instrumental figures in the vibrant and often defiant independent press of the 1990s, were acknowledged for their courageous journalism and their commitment to truth as well as journalist Ayo Obe (OON) and late journalist Bagauda Kaltho (OON). 

Bayo Onanuga (CON), another co-founder of The News and Tempo magazines, receives his honour for his sustained contributions to journalism and his role in shaping public discourse.

 

Among those celebrated for their enduring contributions to the media landscape is Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu (CON), a legendary journalist and publisher. Uncle Sam, as he is famously known, who just clocked 90 on June 13, stands as a titan of Nigerian journalism, a figure who has not only witnessed but actively shaped the evolution of the press in the nation. His dedication to his craft and his pioneering spirit in establishing influential media outlets have left an indelible mark on the industry. 

Also recognised is Seye Kehinde (OON), a prominent journalist and publisher known for his impactful work in soft-sell journalism and for founding City People Magazine. Kehinde’s innovative approach to publishing has carved a unique niche, demonstrating the diverse avenues through which Nigerian voices find expression and engage with the public.

Furthermore, the President posthumously honoured Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), the environmental activist, author, and playwright, a figure whose tragic execution by the military regime in 1995 remains a dark stain on Nigeria’s history. Saro-Wiwa’s powerful voice, articulated through his writings and activism, brought international attention to the plight of the Ogoni people and the environmental degradation in the Niger Delta. His posthumous pardon, alongside his fellow “Ogoni Nine,” signifies a belated but significant step towards rectifying past injustices and acknowledging the profound impact of his advocacy.

This comprehensive list of honourees underscores the President’s stated commitment to safeguarding and building democracy. As President Tinubu himself articulated in his address, “no one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names. Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults.” This statement, coming from the highest office, resonates with many as a tacit acknowledgement of the critical role played by these men and women of letters in holding power accountable, even when their words were “harsh” or “stinging.”

The conferment of these national honours on Nigeria’s literary luminaries is more than just a ceremonial act. It is a powerful message: that the pen is indeed a mighty sword, and those who wield it with courage, integrity, and a commitment to truth are invaluable assets to the nation. It is a recognition that their words, whether in prose, poetry, or journalistic dispatches, have not only enriched the nation, but have also served as vital catalysts for democratic progress.