The Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, and former Governor of Benue State, George Akume, on Tuesday, said that over 5000 nominees were presented to the National Honours Awards Committee for consideration out of which 447 persons made the list.
Akume disclosed this during his opening remarks at the National Honours Awards Investiture, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
According to the Minister, the nominations came from both the public, and private sectors and represented a variety of backgrounds.
The National Honours Awards was established by the National Honours Act of No 6 in 1964 but took retroactive effect from October 1, 1963.
The Act empowers the President by warrant, the Nigerian Order of Dignity to honour deserving citizens who have contributed to the development of and progress of the country in any field of endeavour.
The 447 citizens and foreigners labelled as “Nigerians and Friends of Nigeria,” received various honours ranging from the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger and Federal Republic Medals.
Some of the 13 persons honoured posthumously include former Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari (CFR), former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and Matthew Oyedepo.
The latter two who died in a plane crash in May 2021.
In attendance were 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-General of Police several ministers including the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, George Akume.
Others are Traditional Rulers including the Emir of Lafia, Sidi Mohammad, who was the Chairman of the National Honours Awards Committee of the 2022 Awards Investiture and members of the diplomatic corps.
Details later…