The announcement followed a meeting of the Council of State held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, presided over by the President.
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Addressing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr. Emanso Umobong, explained that the honours list was carefully curated after a rigorous screening exercise by the National Honours Committee, reconstituted in August 2021 under the chairmanship of Justice Sidi Bage, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court.
According to Umobong, the committee received and reviewed over 5,000 applications and nominations from across the country and the diaspora.
After months of deliberation and verification, the panel recommended 824 recipients for the 2024/2025 National Honours Awards and an additional 135 individuals for Special Presidential Awards, bringing the total to 959 honourees.
“This year’s list reflects the diversity, resilience, and excellence of Nigeria and its people,” Dr. Umobong stated.
“The administration of President Tinubu remains committed to honouring citizens and friends of Nigeria whose efforts have strengthened our national fabric.”
The 2024/2025 award list features a blend of public servants, business icons, academics, innovators, humanitarian workers, artists, athletes, and international partners.
Among those honoured are:
Bill Gates, for his outstanding contributions to global public health and support for Nigeria’s healthcare initiatives, particularly in polio eradication and immunisation.
Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu, veteran Journalist and founder of Vanguard Newspapers, recognised for his excellence, integrity, and lifelong service to journalism in Nigerian.
The Super Falcons and D’Tigress, Nigeria’s women’s national football and basketball teams, for their inspiring performances on the continental and global stage, which continue to project Nigeria’s image positively.
The Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four, honoured posthumously for their courage, environmental activism, and defence of human rights in the Niger Delta. – NPN
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