President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honored the prominent leader of civil society Ezenwa Nwagwu, along with others, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to strengthen Nigeria's democracy.
NWAGWU, an observer of first -line elections recognized for its tireless defense of electoral transparency, received the honor of the Federal Republic (MFR).
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President Tinubu had during the speech of the Day of Democracy 2025 to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday, he honored prominent Nigerians with several categories of national awards, including the great commander of the Niger Order (GCON), commander of the Order of Niger (with), officer of the order of the Niger (OON) and member of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Nwagwu, the co-conscurrent of Say No Campaign and executive director of the Peering Defense and Advance Center in Africa (PAACA), is among the 16 Nigerians who will be conferred with the National MFR Prize.
The awards are going through several sectors, including civil society, journalism, politics and activism, with a strong wink to the defenders of democracy, the voices of the media during the struggle for the update of the elections of June 12, 1993 and the National Development Champions.
Hamzat Lawal, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Samson Itodo, executive director of Yiaga Africa, and Jaiye Gaskiya were also among the awarded winners with MFR for “Exceptional Service to the Republic.”
The honor were held for their defense of decades for good governance, electoral reforms, participation of citizens and social justice.
The event was part of the activities that mark the 26th year of uninterrupted democratic government from the return to the civil government in 1999.
Reacting to the award, Nwagwu, in a telephone conversation, said he was really surprised to have been honored by the country.
He thanked the president and the selection committee for recognition, saying that being recognized by the country itself means a lot.
Nwagwu said this mattered a lot, especially because this recognition was not pressed or requested.
Nwagwu has had an enviable and proud pedigree as a radical and intrepid fighter for freedom, justice and human rights, having cut his teeth as a student and youth leader during the difficult was military, emerging as a conscientious and bold public intellectual, and a reliable pillar of the pro democracy community.
Since Nigeria's return to the democratic government in 1999, Nwagwu has been an outstanding, active and influential activist and activist for good governance, free and fair elections, and inclusive and participatory democracy in contemporary Nigeria.
He has played critical roles in the success of the country's observation exercise in all general elections in Nigeria, from the return to the civil government. He sits on the Council of several non -profit organizations.