Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, and President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan on Tuesday received Nigeria’s second highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON.
Others who received the GCON were the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Arinwoola, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed and Professor Tijani Mohammed-Bande.
Hid over 262 Christians
Also honoured was Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, a religious leader who hid over 262 Christians in his mosque from attacks in Yelwa Gindi Akwati village, in Plateau State. The cleric was honoured with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR.
They were among the 447 distinguished persons, including sportsmen, academic, artistes and professionals in various fields, who received various categories Nigeria’s national honours at a ceremony conducted by President Muhammadu Buhari and also attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
President Buhari said at the award ceremony that the awardees were persons “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.”
According to President Buhari, the screening and selection of nominees for this year’s honours followed established broad criteria, which included consistent and meaningful participation in community and national development.
The awardees were also selected for “rendering unsolicited, selfless and philanthropic services to humanity and outstanding sacrifice in the defence of a cause popularly adjudged to be positive, relevant and beneficial to the nation and community; distinct act of bravery in the protection and/or defence of national interest, public peace, safety of life and property.”
They were also rewarded for “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;” and for “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. Service with integrity is also a basis for the selection process.”
Important part of their responsibilities
Pointing out that the national honours are not merely decorative, the president said the awards serve as as reminders to the recipients of an important part of their 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.”
President of the Senate, Lawan, who spoke on behalf of the awardees, said that the task of building a nation is a continuous and collective effort that needs increasing energy irrespective of the level of development that has been attained.
“It is also a collective effort, because it is a duty that requires all hands to be on deck, giving the fact that it picks a delicate balance at harmonising groups towards emotional balance, growth and development.”
Lawan said nation building involves the contribution of citizens who are supposed to be faithful, loyal and committed to the common goals.
“Among the citizens are leaders and drivers of the process who should occasionally be identified for recognition,” Ahmad stated, adding that the recognition “should be thorough and labourious to reflect good service to fatherland as an encouragement for more work and as motivation for others as well.”
UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed dedicated the honour given to her to the women of Nigeria as would it would motivate young women to look up to her and aspire for greater heights.
Lateefah Ibrahim
