Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has commended the national honours conferred on a group of veteran journalists, describing them as true heroes of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The awards were presented during the June 12 Democracy Day celebration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who honoured 139 distinguished Nigerians for their contributions to national development.
Among the recipients were Sam Amuka-Pemu, Bayo Onanuga, Dare Babarinsa, and Dapo Olorunyomi—journalists renowned for their roles in promoting press freedom and democratic ideals during Nigeria’s years of military rule.
In a statement signed by Adeshina Oyetayo, Special Adviser on Research, Media, and Documentation, Obasa praised the honourees for their courage and resilience in the face of tyranny.
He said: “It is heartwarming to see these journalism greats being honoured for using the power of their pen to fight military dictatorship.
“They risked their lives to defend democracy and deserve every recognition they are getting.”
Obasa especially celebrated the conferment of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) title on Sam Amuka-Pemu, founder of Vanguard Newspapers, as a fitting tribute ahead of his 90th birthday on Friday, June 13.
Others awarded the CON title include Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy and founder of TheNews, and Dare Babarinsa, co-founder of TELL Magazine.
Recipients of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) include Dapo Olorunyomi (Premium Times), Kunle Ajibade (TheNews), Seye Kehinde (City People), and Nosa Igiebor (TELL Magazine).
Obasa also paid tribute to the late Bagauda Kaltho, a journalist with TheNews who died in a 1996 bomb blast under General Sani Abacha’s regime. Kaltho was honoured posthumously with an OON.
He urged the awardees to continue their commitment to democracy and hold on to their watchdog role, noting, “The Nigeria you risked it all for is almost here.”
Obasa added that the journalists’ recognition was long overdue and a testament to their enduring impact on Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
