The Democracy Day honours list stirred mixed emotions over omissions, yet highlights the true meaning of honour and calls for genuine national service
The true meaning of honour came under national scrutiny in recent days following the release of the Democracy Day honours list by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Also read: Democracy Day sparks backlash over president’s missed call for unity
Public reactions have swelled, largely fuelled by the absence of several prominent individuals who bore the brunt of Nigeria’s long and often brutal journey to democratic governance.
Among those rightly acknowledged are Dapo Olorunyomi, Bayo Onanuga, Kunle Ajibade, and Seye Kehinde.
Their courageous roles in the pro-democracy struggle have finally received the public validation they deserve.
These honours, while individual in form, represent collective recognition for an entire generation of activists who resisted tyranny in the face of overwhelming danger.
Their inclusion offers a moment of shared pride and vindication for many others who walked that difficult path.
However, the list has also reignited conversations about the nature and politics of state recognition. For some, the omission has served as a reminder that national honours can often be shaped as much by present-day allegiances as by past sacrifices.
One such individual, a known critic of the current administration, noted that he neither expected nor sought national acknowledgement for his contributions.
His reflection was clear: “I did what I did—risking my life, enduring imprisonment, torture, and other deprivations—not for reward, but out of conviction and in obedience to my conscience.”
That spirit of conviction, grounded in a deep belief in the rights and dignity of Nigerians, remains the most enduring measure of honour.
It must not be defined by ceremonies, medals, or executive lists, but by an unwavering commitment to the ideals of justice, democracy, and public accountability.
It is also worth noting that recognition did come previously from the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, which conferred the national award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2023.
That acknowledgement, accepted in good faith, was seen not as personal validation, but as a tribute to the struggle shared by many.
Still, the broader question remains: how best can a President honour the sacrifices of democratic warriors and the expectations of a restless citizenry? The answer lies not in decorations, but in delivery.
Today’s Nigerians face challenges that are deeply troubling. From worsening economic conditions to rising insecurity and an ever-dwindling access to essential services, millions of citizens now find themselves grappling with conditions that, in some respects, mirror the darkest days of military rule.
The distance between the promise of democracy and the reality of daily life has never felt wider.
If the current administration seeks to genuinely honour the heroes of democracy, it must turn its attention to the people.
Honour must be reflected in transparent elections, responsive governance, and institutions that protect rather than prey on the vulnerable.
The economy must offer hope, not despair. Security must become a right, not a luxury. Leadership must be defined by service, not symbolism.
This is the honour that matters most. It is what the champions of June 12 fought for. It is what they hoped would become the inheritance of future generations.
Whether or not names appear on ceremonial lists, the truest measure of national gratitude lies in actions that restore faith in democracy and deliver the dignity the people were promised.
Also read: President Tinubu Commends Buhari, Other Democracy Heroes on June 12
The path forward does not require perfect leadership, only sincere and courageous efforts to correct injustice, uplift the marginalised, and fulfil the aspirations of those who risked all for freedom. That, in every meaningful sense, is the true meaning of honour.
