ABUJA — In a major address commemorating the 2026 Democracy Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the official renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, to the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.

The revitalization and renaming of the institution serve as a tribute to the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, who served as Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, during the 1976–1979 military administration. President Tinubu lauded the late General as a pivotal "architect of modern democratic Nigeria" and a visionary for national partnership.

National Honours for Pro-Democracy Figures

President Tinubu also unveiled a comprehensive list of national honours for individuals who fought for Nigeria's democracy, enduring persecution, imprisonment, and exile. The list includes prominent journalists, lawyers, and civil society activists, as well as military officers recognized for their roles in the June 12 struggle.

Civilian Honorees include:

  • Journalists and Media Icons: Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Sam Omatseye, Sir Ademola Osinubi, Bola Bolawole, Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Jenkins Alumona, Gbemiga Ogunleye, Muyiwa Adekeye, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, and Ike Okonta.

  • Activists and Legal Professionals: Barrister Ayoka Lawani, Segun Babatope, Debo Adeniran, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Chief Ralph Obiora, Ose Osayande, Barrister Osa Director, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, Barrister Titus Mann, Joe Igbokwe, Richard Akinnola, George Mbah, Dr. Niran Malaolu, Femi Aborisade, and Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd).

  • Posthumous Awards: Dr. Arthur Nwankwo and Ben Charles-Obi.

Military Honorees (The "Soldier-Democrats"): Major General M.A. Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Col. Umar Farouk Ahmed, Col. Sambo Dasuki, Col. Lawan Gwadabe, Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong, Col. Musa Shehu, Major General Chris Eze, Major General Harris Dzarma, Col. Isa Jibrin, Maj. General Joseph Oshanupin, Col. Olusegun Oloruntoba, Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus, Col. J. Okai, Col. Emmanuel Ndubueze, Lt. Col. Yakubu Muazu, and Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar.

Commitment to Security and Democracy

President Tinubu emphasized that while the nation celebrates 27 years of unbroken civilian rule since 1999, the occasion was solemnized by recent school abductions in Oyo and Borno states. He reiterated that "democracy without security is a mirage" and highlighted several key government actions:

  • Defense Investment: The 2026 budget allocates ₦5.41 trillion to defense and security, the largest in the nation’s history.

  • Security Force Expansion: Approval for the recruitment of over 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel.

  • Counter-Terrorism Progress: President Tinubu noted that terror-related deaths have declined by 81% since 2015, with 13,000 terrorists neutralized in the past year.

  • Surrender Programs: Under Operation Safe Corridor, over 124,000 fighters and their dependents have surrendered since 2023.

The President concluded with an ultimatum to criminal elements, stating that those who trade in the blood of Nigerians must surrender or face the full force of the state. He urged all citizens, particularly the youth, to remain committed to building Nigeria rather than "abandoning ship."