President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived the International Conference Centre, Abuja, for the National Honours Awards Investiture.
Buhari who arrived at 10:13 am was ushered into the premises by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and other senior officials. 447 citizens and foreigners labelled as “Nigerians and Friends of Nigeria,” will receive various honours ranging from the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger and Federal Republic Medals.
Among those in attendance are Senate President Ahmed Laman, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola, the President’s Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police several ministers including the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, George Akume.
Others are Traditional Rulers including the Emir of Lafia, Sidi Mohammad, who is the Chairman of the National Honours Awards Committee Secretary of the 2022 National Honours Awards Investiture and members of the diplomatic corps.
The National Honours Awards was established by the National Honours Act of No 6 in 1964. However, 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 of and progress of the country in any field of endeavour.
Some of the posthumous awardees include former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, Aircraft Man Matthew Oyedepo, and former Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari (CFR) The military officers died in fatal plane crash in May 2021.