President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Awards National Honours on Democracy Day
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the recipients of this year’s national honours, a tradition that takes place on Democracy Day.
The prestigious awards are conferred on individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and growth of Nigeria.
GCFR Recipients
The Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) is the highest national honour in Nigeria, and this year, it was awarded to one distinguished individual:
Shehu Musa Ya’Adua: A renowned statesman and former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Ya’Adua’s contributions to Nigeria’s development and his commitment to national unity and progress have earned him this esteemed recognition.
GCON Recipients
The Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) is the second-highest national honour, and this year, it was awarded to the following notable individuals:
Prof. Wole Soyinka: A Nobel laureate and internationally acclaimed writer, Soyinka’s contributions to literature and his tireless advocacy for human rights and social justice have made him a beacon of hope and inspiration for Nigerians and people around the world.
General Alani Ipoola Akinrinade: A retired military officer and former Chief of Defence Staff, Akinrinade’s distinguished service to Nigeria and his commitment to national security and stability have earned him this prestigious award.
Senator Godwin Obot Akpabio: A seasoned politician and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio’s contributions to Nigeria’s political development and his dedication to public service have been recognized with this national honour.
Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen: A respected politician and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen’s commitment to democratic principles and his tireless efforts to promote national unity and development have earned him this esteemed recognition.
The national honours are a testament to the recipients’ outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s growth and development, and they serve as a source of inspiration to others to emulate their examples.
The awards will be formally presented to the recipients at a ceremony to be held later in the year.
In his address, President Tinubu praised the recipients for their selfless service to Nigeria and their contributions to the country’s development.
He emphasized the importance of recognizing and rewarding excellence, saying that it is essential to motivating others to strive for greatness.
The President also used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to upholding democratic principles and promoting national unity and development.
He called on all Nigerians to work together to build a better future for the country, saying that the national honours are a reminder of the importance of service, sacrifice, and dedication to the nation.
The national honours are awarded annually on Democracy Day, which commemorates the country’s transition to democratic rule in 1999.
The awards are conferred on individuals who have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s development in various fields, including politics, literature, science, and public service.
