President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) national honours on late environmental rights activist, Ken Saro Wiwa, and former President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), Barrister Ledum Mitee.

The prestigious awards were announced during the joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, held in commemoration of Democracy Day — June 12, a date set aside to honour Nigeria’s pro-democracy heroes and the enduring spirit of democratic governance.

Ken Saro Wiwa, who was executed in 1995 by the military regime of General Sani Abacha, became a global symbol of resistance and environmental justice for his fierce advocacy against the degradation of Ogoni land by oil multinationals. His posthumous recognition comes nearly three decades after his death, signaling a historic shift in Nigeria’s approach to its troubled past.

Barr. Ledum Mitee, who succeeded Saro Wiwa as MOSOP leader, has remained a consistent voice in the fight for equity, justice, and environmental restoration in the Niger Delta.

President Tinubu described the honourees as men of courage whose sacrifices have helped shape the conscience of the nation. “Their struggle was not in vain. Today, Nigeria honours them,” the President said during the ceremony.

The Commander of the Order of the Niger is one of Nigeria’s highest national honours, awarded to individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the nation.