The Nigerian Presidency has refuted claims that activist Aisha Yesufu was among recent recipients of national honours.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the clarification came after a viral report suggested President Bola Ahmed Tinubu included Yesufu in the honours list.
On Thursday, during his address to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja, President Tinubu announced national awards for select Nigerians.
The honourees were recognised for their contributions to democracy, justice, national development, and freedom of the press.
Among those officially honoured were Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, late environmentalist Ken Saro-Wiwa, legal rights advocate Femi Falana (SAN), and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.
Prof. Soyinka received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), the country’s second-highest national honour.
Others received prestigious titles such as Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), and Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).
However, a report credited to the Leadership newspaper began circulating on social media shortly after the announcement, naming Aisha Yesufu among the honourees.
This prompted widespread discussions and celebrations by some supporters of the well-known activist.
In response, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, dismissed the viral publication as misleading.
Ajayi categorically stated that Aisha Yesufu’s name was not listed among the officially recognised individuals.
He emphasized that the Presidency had released the full and final list of awardees through verified government channels.
According to him, any list outside the official communication should be disregarded as false or speculative.
Ajayi’s statement aimed to quell the confusion and reaffirm the credibility of government announcements.
He noted that while several Nigerians deserve recognition for their activism and advocacy, national honours follow a transparent nomination and vetting process.
Aisha Yesufu, known for her prominent role in the #EndSARS movement and other civic causes, has not commented on the development as of press time.
Some commentators believe the rumour may have been politically motivated or intended to stir public sentiment.
Observers have urged the Presidency to improve information management to prevent similar incidents in the future.
DDM will continue to monitor reactions to the honours list and provide updates on any further clarifications from the Presidency.