……Honours Imam Who Saved 262 Christians In Mosque, 449 Others
National Honours are not merely decoratives; they remind us of an important part of our responsibility as citizens and we must always endeavor to do our best for our country.
Those were the words of President Muhammad Buhari as he decorated over Four Hundred Citizens and Seven foreigners with National Honours on Tuesday.
The event that took place at the International Conference Center, Abuja was attended by eminent personalities in the country.
The President, while giving the award, noted that the recipients have distinguished themselves in the service of the nation and humanity adding that citizens who have contributed to national development deserve to be encouraged and appreciated.
He, therefore, lauded the 2022 National Award recipients for distinguishing 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, “he said
Appreciating those in the private sector who have creditably discharged themselves in business, entertainment, hospitality, transportation and other forms of human endeavours to transform Nigeria, he said, “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 the dint of hard work and dedication, they can achieve greatness.”
The President used the event to appreciate Imam Abdullahi Abubakar who Protected 262 christians in his mosque from attack in Plateau State saying that such move is a good example of religious tolerance being preached to Nigerians.
‘‘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),he said
‘‘Worthy of mention are our Artistes, particularly, our very own Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu (Burna Boy), who won the Grammy Awards in 2020. 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 to sustain your efforts at contributing to the development of our nation, Nigeria.
Justifying the long list of the awardees, President Buhari recalled that since the inception of his administration in 2015, 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.
The President noted that the Investiture Ceremony for Abiola and others was specially carried out to right the wrong done in the past, to assuage our feelings and to resolve to stand firm now and in the future for the sanctity of the electoral process and our democracy.
In like manner, he said, the country’s athletes were also honoured recently for their spectacular performances in several competitions.
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, would similarly be recognized.
‘‘This administration will continue to partner with Nigerians and friends of Nigeria with like minds in our efforts to build the Nigeria of our dreams where everybody will strive to excel in their chosen fields devoid of parochial sentiments,’’ he said.
President Buhari also reminded the recipients and other Nigerians that 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,”he said
Commending the National Award Committee headed by a retired Justice of the Supreme Court,Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I, President Buhari thanked him and the members of the committee for a great and patriotic duty by diligently going through the list of five thousands(5000) nominees and came up with the eventual awardees without being biased or sentimental.
He further stressed that the screening and selection of nominees for this year’s award was done in accordance with the National Honours Act CAP.N43 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
They include 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.’’
Other criteria listed by the President for selecting the recipients are:
‘‘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.
‘‘Immense contributions towards the uplift 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.’’
The President used the auspicious event to restate his commitment to end banditry, criminality, terrorism and insurgency in the land before he bows out of office next year
He added that he would hand over a country that is free from insecurity to the next generation of leaders.
Leading the 2022 National Honours Award recipients, in the category of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) are Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, immediate past CJN, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, Director-General, World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Deputy Secretary-General of UN, Amina Mohammed and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof Tijjani Muhammad-Bande
The award, which is in 10 categories, was presented to Supreme Court Justices, judges, top lawyers, incumbent and former governors, Ministers, traditional rulers, creative artistes, politicians, businessmen, athletes, security officers who died in the line of duty, and other distinguished Nigerians.
A total of 6 persons were conferred with GCON, 55 received Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), 65 got the Commander of the Order of Niger (CON), 77 were presented with the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR); 110 received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON); 74 were presented with Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and 55 received Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
There were four recipients each for the Federal Republic Medal I (FRM I) and Federal Republic Medal II (FRM II) Second Class) respectively.
The seven foreigners honoured received the OFR Award.
Speaking on behalf of the Awardees, the Senate President thanked the President for the honour, pledging that the award is an encouragement to more work and a call to duty to serve Nigeria with renewed strength, loyalty and honesty.