June 13, 2025

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, has applauded the national honours awarded to media icons by President Bola Tinubu.

Obasa’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement on Friday by Mr Adeshina Oyetayo, his Special Adviser on Research, Media, and Documentation.

He congratulated Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Tinubu, and Sam Amuka-Pemu, Publisher of Vanguard newspapers.

Also honoured were Dare Babarinsa, renowned newspaper columnist, and Dapo Olorunyomi, founder and publisher of Premium Times.

Other recipients include Kunle Ajibade, Executive Editor of TheNews, and Seye Kehinde, Publisher of City People magazine.

Nosa Igiebor, Editor-in-Chief of TELL, and Bagauda Kaltho, late senior correspondent of TheNews, were also honoured.

Kaltho died in a 1996 bomb blast in Kaduna during the military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha.

These journalists were among 139 Nigerians recognised for their contributions to Nigeria’s democracy.

“It is heartwarming to see these journalism greats honoured for their courage, resilience, and commitment to resisting military tyranny through the power of the pen.

“They risked everything — facing guns, arrests, and imprisonment — to fight for the emergence, growth, and preservation of democracy in our country.

“They are true heroes of Nigeria’s democratic journey and deserve every honour bestowed upon them,” the Lagos Speaker said.

Obasa thanked them for their sacrifices and urged them to remain passionate in promoting a better society, regardless of age or personal trials.

He said Nigeria, the nation they fought for, is finally emerging and needs their continued role as democracy’s watchdogs.

The Speaker praised Amuka-Pemu, whom Tinubu described as “a legendary journalist who remained true to his lifelong calling.”

Obasa said the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) was a perfect 90th birthday gift for Amuka-Pemu.

Like Amuka-Pemu, Onanuga and Babarinsa were also awarded the CON title for their pioneering contributions to journalism.

Olorunyomi, Ajibade, Igiebor, and Kehinde received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) title.

Kaltho was awarded a posthumous OON for his ultimate sacrifice during Abacha’s brutal regime.