President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on several distinguished Nigerians, both living and late, in recognition of their service to the nation, especially in the context of the June 12 democratic struggle.
Among the honourees is the frontline journalist and publisher of City People magazine, Mr Seye Kehinde.
The announcement, made on Thursday, included posthumous awards for late pro-democracy heroes such as Kudirat Abiola, who was honoured with the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) title for her role in the campaign to validate the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Other posthumous recipients include former chief of staff Musa Yar’Adua, awarded the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR); former national electoral commission chairman Humphrey Nwosu (CON); Ndubuisi Kanu (CON); and renowned environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), along with the rest of the Ogoni Nine. All of them were granted full presidential pardons.
Living awardees include media and civil rights personalities such as Olatunji Dare (CON), Kunle Ajibade (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON) and lawyer Ayo Obe (OON).
Seye Kehinde, born Oluseye Olugbemiga Kehinde on April 21, 1965, is a distinguished Nigerian journalist and the founder of City People Magazine, which is known as one of Nigeria’s leading society magazines.
Kehinde was born in Ishara, Ogun State, Nigeria, to civil servant parents. He pursued his education at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he graduated with a degree in History and Political Science. Additionally, he obtained a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and various certificates in political reporting and international journalism, further enhancing his expertise
Seye Kehinde’s journalism career began at Newswatch, where he served as a reporter. Over the years, he worked for several esteemed publications, including the African Concord, Sunday Tribune, and The NEWS magazine, where he was a key figure in establishing the publication.
In 1996, he founded City People Magazine, which quickly rose to prominence in the soft-sell magazine segment, covering a wide array of topics from celebrity gossip to lifestyle articles. Under his guidance, City People has become synonymous with Nigerian entertainment journalism, known for its vibrant storytelling and engaging content.
In April 2025, Kehinde celebrated his 60th birthday with a grand event attended by notable figures in journalism, politics, and entertainment. The celebration highlighted his contributions to the media and recognized his mentorship and impact on many journalists in Nigeria
Many peers and mentees took the opportunity to honour Kehinde, reflecting on his humility, leadership qualities, and dedication to nurturing talent in the journalism field. President Bola Tinubu also extended congratulations, acknowledging Kehinde’s significant influence on Nigerian media over the past three decades.
Kehinde’s career exemplifies a commitment to good journalism, characterized by integrity and a focus on uplifting others in the industry. His work has shaped modern Nigerian journalism and continues to inspire new generations of reporters and media professionals.
Seye Kehinde’s journey from a budding journalist to a respected media entrepreneur showcases his passion for journalism and his enduring impact on the Nigerian media landscape.
