Late Yinka Odumakin honoured as democracy, human rights icon
The late human rights activist Yinka Odumakin has been named democracy and human rights icon of the year 2026.
The National Ethics and Values Awards (NEVA) presented the award in Abuja on Thursday.
The late Mr Odumakin’s widow, Joe Okei-Odumakin, said the award recognised her late husband’s outstanding contributions to democracy and human rights.
Mrs Okei-Odumakin noted that Ademola Odumakin represented the family foundation to receive the posthumous award on behalf of the late activist.
“This honour is conferred strictly on merit and stands as a testament to your integrity, vision, and the positive impact of your leadership and service,” the plaque read.
She added that while the activist was no longer with us, his voice, courage and commitment to the people continue to echo and inspire.
Mr Odumakin died of complications from coronavirus disease in 2021. He was 54.
Until his death, he was the national publicity secretary for the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
World
Nigerian epidemiologist to lead global pandemic preparedness body CEPI
Mr Abubakar succeeds Richard Hatchett, who has led the global health partnership since its establishment in 2017.
States
NOA urges Osun voters to exercise civic rights
The agency said every eligible voter has the right to freely choose a candidate and should do so without fear, intimidation, or inducement.
States
Kano records 11.5% drop in out-of-school children
Mr Haruna-Makoda said the latest figure represents a reduction of 113,641, or 11.5 per cent, compared with the 989,234 out-of-school children recorded in 2023.
States
Gov Adeleke vows to probe Osun election violence, killings
Mr Adeleke said a commission of inquiry would establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents and recommend appropriate actions.
Showbiz
Ayra Starr releases third studio album ‘Starr Girl’
The 16-track album features Nigerian Afrobeats stars Wizkid on “Gimme Dat” and Rema on “Who’s Dat Girl”.
Politics
Osun residents travel to polling units ahead of Saturday election
Residents of Osogbo on Friday besieged motor parks to travel to their registered polling units ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
