The Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the conferment of national honours on 959 Nigerians and friends of Nigeria for their outstanding contributions to national development and humanity. The approval was announced following the National Council of State meeting at the State House in Abuja.
The National Honours Award Committee, reconstituted in August 2021 and chaired by Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed, screened over 5,000 applications before recommending 824 recipients for the 2024/2025 national honours and 135 special awards, totaling 959 honourees. These honours are awarded annually to deserving nationals and non-nationals who have distinguished themselves in the service of the nation and humanity.
The notable recipients of this honor are Bill Gates, honored for his contributions to public health and humanitarian work in Nigeria; the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four, posthumously recognized for their environmental activism and sacrifice; veteran journalist and publisher Sam Amuka Pemu; Professor Mahmood Yakubu, immediate past chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for his service to Nigeria’s democratic process; and the Super Falcons and D’Tigress basketball teams for their achievements in sports and international representation.
The President’s approval of these honours reflects an inclusive recognition approach, celebrating Nigerians and friends of Nigeria who have positively impacted the country. The list of honourees and details of the awards are set to be published soon.
