According to the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, George Akume, the National Honours Awards were handed to 447 out of over 5,000 nominations.
Tuesday, Akume mentioned this in his opening remarks at the National Honours Awards Induction Ceremony held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.
According to Akume, out of all the nominees from the public and commercial sectors, only 447 individuals were selected for the prestigious list.
The National Honours Act No. 6 of 1964 established the National Honours Awards. It takes effect retroactively beginning on October 1, 1963.
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The Act authorizes the President to award the Nigerian Order of Dignity to qualified citizens who have contributed to the country’s development and prosperity in any field.
According to the Minister, 447 citizens and foreigners designated as “Nigerians and Friends of Nigeria,” received various honours ranging from the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger and Federal Republic Medals.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Finance Minister of Nigeria and current Director-General of the World Trade Organisation; Ahmed Lawan, Senate President; Olukayode Ariwoola, current Chief Justice of Nigeria; Tanko Mohammed, former Chief Justice of Nigeria; Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; and Tijjani Mohammed-Bande, former President of the United Nations General Assembly.
Former Chief of Staff to the President Abba Kyari (CFR), former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, and Aircraft Man Matthew Oyedepo, who both perished in a terrible plane crash in May 2021, are among the 13 individuals who will be honored posthumously.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmed Laman, Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola, the President’s Chief of Staff Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Service Chiefs, the Inspector of Police, and traditional Rulers, including the Emir of Lafia, Sidi Mohammad, who is the Chairman of the National Honours Awards Committee, graced the occasion.