I will root out banditry, hand over peaceful Nigeria in 2023 — Buhari
…Confers national honours on 447 Nigerians, foreign nationals
…PDP congratulates party bigwigs conferred with honours, says “conferment call to duty”
By Moses Adeniyi
President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to hand over a Nigeria free of insecurity in 2023, stating that his government will continue “to root out all forms of banditry, criminality, terrorism and insurgency in the land.”
The President who gave the promise in his speech on Tuesday while conferring National Honours on 447 Nigerians and foreign nationals who have distinguished themselves in various fields contributing to the nation’s growth and development, said the honours are not merely decorative, but a reminder of an important part of citizenry responsibility.
The 2022 National Honours Award Investiture Ceremony was held at the International Conference Centre (ICC) Abuja on Tuesday where eminent figures including Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ms Amina Mohammed and the Minister of State for Petroleum Chief Timipre Sylva were awarded the honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) and Commander of the Order of the Niger ( CON ) respectively.
Also, Hon. Justice Kayode Ariwoola and Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad – the current and erstwhile Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) respectively and renowned diplomat, Professor Tijjani Muhammad-Bande were awarded.
Other recipients inclyde the former Corps Marshal BOBOYE Oyeyemi, Chairman Caverton Offshore Support Group Chief Aderemi Makanjuola, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola.
Buhari who said, “Nation-building involves a lot of sacrifice by the citizenry” said it was important that Citizens who contribute to national development be encouraged and appreciated.
“The Award of titles of honour, decorations and dignitaries is a solemn and patriotic event at which President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria honours deserving Nationals and Non-Nationals, who have distinguished themselves in the service of the nation and humanity in accordance with the National Honours Act CAP. N43 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004,” he said.
According to him, the screening and selection of nominees for this year’s award followed established broad criteria including but not limited to; Consistent and meaningful participation in community and/or national development; Rendering unsolicited, selfless and philanthropic services to humanity; outstanding sacrifice in the defence of a cause popularly adjudged to be positive, relevant and beneficial to the nation and community.
Others include, “Distinct act of bravery in the protection and/or defence of national interest, public peace, safety of life and property; Remarkable achievement in any field of expertise where the person’s activities in that field have made significant contributions to the attainment of national goals and objectives.”
Also, are immense contributions towards the upliftment of community, state, nation and/or humanity through achievements by way of inventions and bringing outstanding honour and glory to the state through personal dedication and patriotic commitment, as well as Service with integrity forming a basis for the selection process.
Buhari said of the 5,000 submissions, the recommended nominees were selected, having distinguished themselves in various ways “for the purpose of recreating a new Nigeria of our dreams through respect for the rule of law, image laundering, transparency and accountability in management of scarce resources.”
Stating that despite the present economic challenges, Nigeria still boasts of men and women of integrity; he assured the non-Nigerian recipients that his administration will continue to provide the enabling environment for them to undertake their lawful businesses, contributing to national development.
He appealed to other Nigerians who are yet to receive this recognition to be patient and understand that their efforts in nation-building are appreciated and at the right time, will similarly be recognised.
His speech partly read, “On this occasion, you may wish to recall that since the inception of this administration, there has not been such occasion like this where individuals and friends of Nigeria have been so singled out for investiture except for the Special Investiture Ceremony in honour of Chief MKO Abiola, Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe and Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN whose ceremony was specially carried out to right the wrong done in the past, to assuage our feelings and to resolve to stand firm now and the future for the sanctity of the electoral process and our democracy.
“In like manner, our country’s athletes were also honoured recently for their spectacular performances in several competitions.
“It is worthy of note that nation-building involves a lot of sacrifice by the citizenry. Citizens who contribute to national development deserve to be encouraged and appreciated.
“It is based on this premise that I reconstituted the National Honours Award Committee, Chaired by His Royal Highness, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I, JSC (Rtd), the Emir of Lafia, a distinguished retired Justice and other patriotic Nigerians as members to recommend suitable Nigerians and our friends for appropriate recognition.
“The committee has done a patriotic duty by diligently going through over 5,000 submissions and coming up with these recommendations.
“The patriotic Nigerians and our friends being honoured today, have distinguished themselves in various ways for the purpose of recreating a new Nigeria of our dreams through respect for the rule of law, image laundering, transparency and accountability in management of scarce resources.
“Equally, those in the private sector have also creditably discharged themselves in business, entertainment, hospitality, transportation and other forms of human endeavours to transform Nigeria.
“We have amongst the recipients today, Amb. Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Ms Amina J. Mohammed and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who are doing our country proud on the international scene. Our dear sisters are a source of inspiration to our young women that through hard work and dedication, they can achieve greatness.
“We also have on the list, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, a religious leader who hid over 262 Christians in his mosque from attacks in Yelwa Gindi Akwati village, in Plateau State.
“He is a good example of religious tolerance we preach amongst Nigerians. I am excited that he is being honoured today with Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
“Worthy of mention are our artistes, particularly, our very own Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu (Burna Boy), who won the Grammy Awards in 2020. He along with other artistes have repositioned the Nigerian entertainment industry and placed it on the global map. At the just concluded Dubai Expo 2020, Nigeria’s pavilion was a beehive of activities as our musicians entertained guests from around the world.
“Despite the present economic challenges, Nigeria still boasts of men and women of integrity; Ms Josephine Agu, an airport cleaner returned $12,200 found in a toilet at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos as well as Ogbanago Muhammed Ibrahim, a bank security man who found and returned $10,000. Today, we celebrate their dignity and strong strength of character by conferring National Honours on them. They are a shining example to our younger generation.
“I congratulate all the recipients today who will be joining the league of Awardees. I appreciate the non-Nigerian recipients and assure all of you that this administration will continue to provide the enabling environment for you to undertake your lawful businesses to allow you sustain your efforts at contributing to the development of our nation, Nigeria.
“The National Honours are not merely decorative. They remind us of an important part of our responsibility as citizens. We must always endeavour to do our best for our country. We will continue to root out all forms of banditry, criminality, terrorism and insurgency in the land.
“As I stated earlier in my Independence address to the nation, I will hand over a Nigeria that is free from insecurity to the next generation of leaders.
“I want to specially commend the Chairman and members of the National Honours Award Committee for a job well done. The list of awardees is justifiably long, since this exercise has not been carried out since 2015. Your commitment to the process of screening and selection has been well guided.
“ Let me appeal to other Nigerians who are yet to receive this recognition to be patient and understand that their efforts in nation-building are appreciated and at the right time, will similarly be recognized.
“Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, this administration will continue to partner with Nigerians and friends of Nigeria with like minds in our efforts to build the Nigeria of our dream where everybody will thrive to excel in their chosen fields devoid of parochial sentiments.”
…PDP congratulates party bigwigs conferred with honours, says “conferment call to duty”
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has congratulated bigwigs within its camp, including its Vice-Presidential Candidate and Governor of Delta State, Sen. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa CON, other leaders and stakeholders of the party for their well-deserved conferment of National Awards by the Federal Government.
This is just as the Party described the National Honours as “a call to duty,” charged all recipients to redouble their efforts in the service of the nation.
In a statement signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja, on Tuesday, the party said the awardees deserved all the accolades because of their commitment to the nation.
“Our Party salutes Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and his Taraba State counterpart, Arc. Darius Ishaku, CON; the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, OON; Senate Minority Whip, Sen. Chukwuka Utazi, CON and other PDP leaders,” it said.
The party described their Awards as resounding recognition of their patriotism and commitment to nation building in line with the manifesto of the PDP.
“Of particular note is the award of CON to PDP Vice Presidential Candidate, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, which is coming alongside the overwhelming nationwide acceptance by Nigerians of the Atiku/Okowa Presidential ticket ahead of the 2023 general elections.
“The national honour on Governor Okowa is also a reaffirmation of the confidence Nigerians repose in his sterling leadership qualities and achievements in Delta State as well as his capacity to work with our Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar in the task of Rescuing, Redirecting and Rebuilding our dear nation under a PDP administration.
“Moreover, the National Award conferred on Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Darius Ishaku of Taraba State confirms a national recognition of their unprecedented achievements alongside other PDP governors in human capital and infrastructural development with which they have transformed their States as Oasis of Development.
“Also, our nation celebrates Hon. Elumelu for his roles in deepening democratic practice in Nigeria by efficiently uniting and coordinating the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives to provide very effective opposition while championing impactful legislations and motions aimed at transforming the lives and defending the rights of Nigerians.
“In the same vein, the Senate Minority Whip, Sen. Utazi is honored among other things, for his excellent performance in the Senate where he has demonstrated outstanding resourcefulness in the enactment of key legislations, particularly to strengthen our nation’s fight against corruption in line with the policy thrust of the PDP. “The PDP congratulates all other well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians who were also honoured and urges them to see the National Honours as a call to duty to redouble their efforts in the service of the nation,” the statement read.
Nigerians conferred with the honour of Commander Of the Order Of the Federal Republic (CFR) are Gbajabiamila; Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha; Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan; former speaker Yakubu Dogara; Justice Kudirat M. Kekere-Ekun; Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad; Justice Monica Bolna’an and Donghan Mansem.
Other prominent awardees for the Commander Of the Order of Niger (CON) include Delta state governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ifeanyi Okowa, and some other state governors including Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna, Professor Babagana Zulum of Borno States.
