by Ogbeni Olawale Dawodu ~
President Bola Tinubu has announced the revitalisation and renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna in honour of the late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, describing him as one of the key architects of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The announcement was made on Friday during the President’s Democracy Day address, where he also unveiled a list of pro-democracy activists and military officers to receive national honours for their contributions to the struggle that culminated in the restoration of democratic rule.
Tinubu praised Yar’Adua’s role in shaping modern Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
“Among the architects of modern democratic Nigeria, we honour Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua for his vision of national partnership,” the President said.
He added:
“In recognition of his contributions, the Federal Government has approved the revitalisation and renaming of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.”
The President said the honours were intended to recognise Nigerians who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile and other sacrifices in the fight for democracy.
Those named for national honours include Ayoka Lawani, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Segun Babatope, Sam Omatseye, Ademola Osinubi, Bola Bolawole, Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Debo Adeniran and Ayo Opadokun.
Others are Ralph Obiora, Ose Osayande, Osa Director, Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Arthur Nwankwo (posthumous), Osagie Obayuwana, Joe Okei-Odumakin, Titus Mann, Joe Igbokwe, Richard Akinnola and Ben Charles-Obi (posthumous).
Also honoured are George Mbah, Niran Malaolu, retired Gen. Ishola Williams, Femi Aborisade, Jenkins Alumona, Gbemiga Ogunleye, Muyiwa Adekeye, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju and Ike Okonta.
Tinubu further recognised a group of military officers he described as “soldier-democrats” for supporting the June 12 struggle and standing on the side of democratic governance during a turbulent period in the nation’s history.
The officers include Maj.-Gen. M.A. Garba, Brig.-Gen. Jaafaru Isa, Col. Farouk Ahmed, Col. Sambo Dasuki, Col. Lawan Gwadabe, Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Temlong, Col. Musa Shehu, Maj.-Gen. Chris Eze and Maj.-Gen. Harris Dzarma.
Others are Col. Isa Jibrin, Maj.-Gen. Joseph Oshanupin, Col. Olusegun Oloruntoba, Lt.-Col. Kefas Bulus, Col. J. Okai, Col. Emmanuel Ndubueze, Lt.-Col. Yakubu Muazu and Brig.-Gen. Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe.
The President said the complete list of national honours recipients would be released in the coming days.
