President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday honoured the late Alex Ibru, publisher of The Guardian newspaper and a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s media and democratic evolution, with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

The award, conferred posthumously during a solemn Democracy Day ceremony at the National Assembly, recognised Ibru’s unwavering commitment to press freedom and his courageous role in standing up for democratic values during Nigeria’s years of military dictatorship.

President Tinubu described Ibru as “a quiet titan of democracy,” noting that The Guardian, under his leadership, became a fearless voice for truth, accountability, and the people’s right to know—even in the darkest days of political repression.

The 2025 Democracy Day celebration was marked by an extensive list of national honours bestowed on both fallen heroes and living legends of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Among those posthumously honoured alongside Alex Ibru were Kudirat Abiola (CON), Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Pa Alfred Rewane (CFR), Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Bagauda Kaltho (OON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), and Pa Reuben Fasoranti (CFR).