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Buhari Confers National Honours On Fashola, Okonjo-Iweala, Kyari, Isiguzo, 443 Others

Published

3 years ago

October 12, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, conferred national honours to 449 Nigerians and friends of Nigeria.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the President’s Chief of State, Ibrahim Gambari, were also in attendance at the event, which was held in Abuja.
The awardees include the President’s late Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari; Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State; Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Ishaq Oloyede; the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Chris Isiguzo; amongst others.
Those who are awarded the honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) are Okonjo-Iweala, Hon Justice Olukayode Ariwoola and Hon Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad – the current and erstwhile Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), respectively; the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ms Amina J. Mohammed; and renowned diplomat, Professor Tijjani Muhammad-Bande.
Nigerians 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.
Prominent among awardees of Commander of the Order of Niger (CON) is Delta State Governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and some state governors like Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna, Prof Babagana Zulum of Borno, are also recipients.
The awardees were given the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON); Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR);Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON); Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR); and Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) awards.
Reacting, the National Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) hailed the decision of the Federal Government to honour seasoned journalists as unprecedented.
In a statement signed by the National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman, yesterday, the NUJ said that the union would remain eternally grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for the honour done its leaders.
The statement read, “The National Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists expresses its gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief, Muhammadu Buhari for conferring on the union’s President, Christopher Ikechukwu Isiguzo the award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
“We equally commend President Muhammadu Buhari for honouring Alhaji YakubuIbn Mohammed, immediate past DG of NTA and Mr Femi Adesina, Senior Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media who received the award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and Malam Halilu Ibrahim Dantiye, former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) who was conferred with Member of the Order of the Niger (MON). We felicitate with these worthy Ambassadors of the Union.
“Chief Christopher Isiguzo, MFR, certainly has the creativity and determination to do so many things in an extraordinary way. The union’s NEC joins him in feeling proud for his most recent achievement. Warm congratulations to our dear leader.
“We commend the ability of the NUJ President to relentlessly search for solutions to problems and find innovative ways to improve the fortunes of the union. These are the keys to this success and many more to come.
“It should be also noted that the President’s perseverance is an inspiration to everyone in the National Executive Council of the union and undoubtedly, he has earned all the accolades coming his way.
“While encouraging all the award recipients to continue to do more, we extend to them, as always, our profound support. Congratulations!”
Also reacting, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) praised the conferment of the national honours on its leaders as extraordinary and legendary.
A statement titled, “National Honour on Distinguished Journalists; A Plus for Democracy”, signed by NAWOJ President, LadiBala, said that women journalists in the country were proud of the exemplary leadership provided by the honourees, and commended the Federal Government for recognising hardwork and merit.
The statement read, “A new dawn for Nigeria’s democracy is in the horizon following the recognition of the contributions of distinguished, prominent Nigeria’s finest journalists who have contributed in moving the country forward in no small way.
“The conferment of National Award by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria on the immediate past Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and seasoned administrator, Mr. YakubuIbn Mohammed; and the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President and former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Femi Adesina, with the Award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), and the Award of the Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) on the National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Chris Isiguzo; and the Award of Member of the Order of Niger (MON) on the former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, a communication strategist, Mr. Halilu Ibrahim Dantiye, deserve commendation and praises.
“The deserving award on these distinguished journalists is a clear testament of the fact that the role of journalists and the media at large in the development of the country is accorded genuine recognition and appreciated by the federal government.
“It is equally worthy of note that this is the first time in the history of Journalism in Nigeria that such quality numbers are being recognized and so honoured by the federal government.
“The honours will certainly serve as a morale booster and lubricant to inspire other journalists to continue to provide quality information dissemination as well as generate better media contents and serve as the needed oxygen that will strengthen the ideals and principle of democracy for the overall good of the society.
“The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), wishes to congratulate the four Distinguished journalists on the conferment of the National Awards and wish them higher and greater heights in their future endeavours.
“The awards and recognition, speak volumes and indeed, a thing of pride to all journalists.
“Accordingly, NAWOJ commends President Muhammadu Buhari for the kind gesture accorded the 437 Nigerians who have rendered meritorious services towards the growth and development of the country.
“The 2022 National Honour Awards of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will surely be remembered for its unique choices of the awardees”.
Meanwhile, a total of 447 out of over 5,000 nominees received were presented the National Honours Awards, the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, George Akume has said.
Akume stated this in his opening address at the National Honours Awards Investiture at the International Conference Centre, Abuja on Tuesday.
According to Akume, only 447 persons made the hallowed list out of all the nominees, who were drawn from various walks of life across the public and private sectors.
The National Honours Awards was established by the National Honours Act of No 6 in 1964. It 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 and progress of the country in any field of endeavour.
According to the Minister, 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.
The GCON category include: former Nigeria’s Finance Minister and current Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, NgoziOkonjo-Iweala; Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, current Chief Justice of Nigeria, OlukayodeAriwoola, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Mohammed; Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, and former President of the United Nations General Assembly, Tijjani Mohammed-Bande.
Some of the 13 persons who will be honoured posthumously include former Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari (CFR), former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, and Aircraft Man Matthew Oyedepo, the latter two who died in a fatal plane crash in May 2021.
Dignitaries, who graced the occasion are Vice President YemiOsinbajo, Senate President, Ahmed Laman, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief Justice of Nigeria, OlukayodeAriwoola, the President’s Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and traditional Rulers including the Emir of Lafia, Sidi Mohammad, who is the Chairman of the National Honours Awards Committee.

News

Group Doles out N13m To Market Women In Isiama

Published

3 days ago

September 22, 2025

Uchechukwu Okwum

The peaceful Town of Isiama in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State was at the weekend agog with activities following the donation of over N13million to market women by Engr. Justus Ngerebara in partnership with Fast Track Development Initiatives, a non-governmental organization, as part of its first phase empowerment programme.

According to Justus Ngerebara, who is also the Executive Director of the organization, the women, numbering 108, will receive various sums based on their business proposal.

He stated that the organization will carry out an annual review of the performances of the beneficiaries, with a view to rewarding those who put the money into good use.

According to him, the initiative was a collaborative effort between himself and his wife, Dr. Unyime Ngerebara, in partnership with Fast Track Development Initiative (FDI), an organization committed to youth capacity building and community development.

He said the family believe deeply in the transformative power of women’s empowerment as a catalyst for economic growth, especially in rural communities.

“As the saying goes, when you empower a woman, you empower a community. This truth resonate strongly with us, knowing that empowered women uplift households and inspire generational change”, he stated.

Ngerebara described the programme as the beginning of more things to come and urged the beneficiaries to view the gesture “as a reflection of our deep love for the community and our commitment to easing the burdens of economic hardship.

“We encourage you to invest wisely, channel these resources into your business not frivolities.

“We will continue to follow up with each participant to monitor progress and Offer guidance.

“It is our goal to see thriving business, creative solutions to households hunger and a ripple effect of prosperity through Isiama.

“We also call on the men to stand beside their spouses, offering support and encouragement to ensure these resources are maximized for growth”, he said.

In an interview, Ngerebara said the second phase of the empowerment programme will start very soon, stressing that since inception the organization has done so much for the community.

He listed some of the programmes carried out by the group in the community to include the installation of solar powered lights, and solar powered water.

While declaring the event open, a former coymmissioner for Works in Rivers State, Engr. Sampson Ngerebara, described the event as the first of its kind in the community.

Engr. Ngerebara said the programme will go a long way to improve the conditions of not only the beneficiaries, but also the entire Isiama Community.

He also charged them against wasting the resources on frivolities, adding that their success will attract more of such empowerment programme to Isiama community

Giving a brief talk on women empowerment, a lecturer at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr. Awajimogobo Felix MacLean, warned the beneficiaries to justify the effort of the donor by avoiding wastages.

Dr. MacLean also urged them to be consistent in their line of business as well as avoid unnecessary competition.

She also stressed the need for them to network among themselves, while working out ways of helping the community to develop.

Guest of Honour at the occasion, Professor Uriah Oboada Alafonye, said Engr Justus Ngerebara, the initiator of the programme, has set a standard for present and future generations of leaders both in the community and the rest of Andoni to follow.

Prof Alafonye who is of the department of Arts Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, also appealed to the beneficiaries to seize the opportunity provided by the programme to reduce poverty in the community.

Speaking, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Hebron Mercy Fyneface, a crayfish seller and an interior designer, said it was the first time she was receiving such gesture from any organization or government.

She thanked Engr Justus Ngerebara for remembering the women of Isiama and urged others to emulate him.

By: John Bibor

News

Fubara’s Return Excites NCSU … As Hope Rises For Civil Servants

Published

3 days ago

September 22, 2025

Uchechukwu Okwum

The umbrella body of civil servants in Rivers State, the Nigeria Civil Service Union(NCSU) has expressed delight over the lifting of emergency rule in the State and the return to office of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof Ngozi Nma Odu and members of the State House of Assembly, saying, the development portends good omen for workers, the people and the State.

The Rivers State Chairman of NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, who gave the indication in an interview in Port Harcourt, said the return of the Governor to office portends good omen and better days for civil servants in particular, stressing that the union heartily welcomes the Governor back to office, to resume his good works in the State, after six months of the emergency rule, as well as his deputy and members of the House of Assembly.

He noted that civil servants in the State are not only elated over the development but are also full of hope that the Governor would start from where he stopped in attending to their welfare needs.

He contended that the political crisis that recently engulfed the State and the six-month emergency rule had for over one year pulled the State backwards, but expressed delight that a permanent solution has been found to stem further political upheavals in the State, and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making this possible; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and leader of the State, Chief Nyesom Wike; Governor Fubara; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule; members of the House; and other stakeholders for agreeing to amicably resolve all contending issues.

The labour leader said this is the right time for all political gladiators in the State to bury the hatchet, work together and embrace peace and genuine reconciliation in the overall interest of the State.

He described as too hasty the resolution of the House, mandating the Governor to present a supplementary budget to it, and pleaded with members of the House to be calm, to tread with caution, and harmoniously work with the Governor.

He said the return of democratic governance in the State would fast-track progress and development in the State, and enjoined the people of the State, particularly civil servants to continue to give their support and cooperation to the Fubara administration.

Osumah expressed optimism that Governor Fubara would give prompt attention to challenges facing civil servants in the State, being a former civil servant himself, stressing that the workers truly have hope, now that the Governor has returned to office, and knowing the kind of Governor he is.

According to him, he is going to look into the controversial and contentious contributory pension scheme; rehabilitation of the State Secretariat Complex; recruitment into the state civil service; extension of service and retirement years for civil servants; provision of vehicles to industrial unions; as well as provision of befitting staff quarters for civil servants; among others.

News

NDDC Organizes ADR Capacity Building for Staff

Published

3 days ago

September 22, 2025

Uchechukwu Okwum

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has organized a one-day sensitization program for its personnel on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) approaches to promote workplace compliance on transparency and due process.

The workshop, themed “Promoting Transparency and Due Process in the Workplace using ADR Approaches in Building a Culture of Accountability and Integrity,” aimed to equip staff with the skills to resolve disputes effectively.

Declaring the event open on thursday in port Harcourt,The NDDC Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized the importance of using ADR mechanisms to resolve conflicts in the workplace.

Dr. Ogbuku represented by his chief of staff,Rev Omeya Oworibo,noted that ADR approaches can encourage a culture of honesty, fairness, transparency, trust, and reduce conflicts among staff, ultimately promoting efficiency and productivity.

He averred that those disputes and quarrels if not proper resolved can derail the vision and objectives of the commission to the people, noting that the commission must as a team and unity as service provider in order to render a profitable service delivery to the people.

“ADR approach will encourage culture of honesty,fairness, transparency ,trust and reduce back bitting and the workforce, noting that such tendency would in turns promote efficiency and increase results in workplace.

when integrity and honesty becomes the operandi of an organisation and employees begins to trust that their matters will be handled with fairness it will breed team work and increase in productivity.”he stated

He commended the department of DCR for organising the workshop and urged the participants to make good use of the opportunity and imbibe the culture of tolerance, integrity and teamwork in workplace.

Also speaking,the NDDC acting director of DCR ,Mr Godwin Ayewumi Ogedegbe noted that the theme of the captures the core of what the commission seeks to achieve a workplace where every action is expected to be guided by openness, fairness, and a steadfastness commitment to due process, where conflicts are not merely resolved, but prevented through structured,principled processes , and where accountability and integrity are not aspirational ideals but every day practice.

In his keynote presentation on the theme “workplace Ethics and alternative Dispute Resolution Correlation,

Prof. Sylvester Odion Akhaine of the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos, delivered a keynote presentation on “Workplace Ethics and Alternative Dispute Resolution Correlation.” He stressed the importance of due process, transparency, integrity, and accountability in the workplace, noting that these values are essential for productivity and organizational goals.

The workshop aimed to promote a culture of accountability and integrity in the NDDC workplace. By equipping staff with ADR skills and promoting transparency and due process, the commission can build a more efficient and productive work environment.

By: Akujobi Amadi