SUNDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2022

the Girl Child

Coincidentally,

October 11, which marked the day President Buhari conferred the National Honours Award, also happened to be the International Day of the Girl Child. I couldn’t be more proud of all the women who were honoured that day. From the very influential Ngozi Okonjo Iweala to Teni, the entertainer. Every one of them.

Once again, we are reminded of the female figure’s vital role in society. Gone are the days when patriarchy ruled 100%, and women were generally relegated to the background. And you know these issues are actually global. While Nigeria shows a high degree of gender inequality or gender discrimination, it isn’t the only country where this phenomenon exists. In many countries worldwide, women are still fighting for basics like the right to vote and choose what they wish to wear etc.

However, things are getting better back home. Girls are being given the opportunity to lead. We are seeing them at the fore front of change and hearing their voices in decision-making spaces. And I believe it’s going to keep getting better.

Ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls is not only a fundamental human right but also has a multiplier effect across all other development areas.

For now, it is time for us all to stand ac countable, with and for girls!! Yes, it’s time to invest in a future that believes in her potential.

Imam Abubakar Abdullahi

HONOURS AWARDS RECIPIENTS 2022

GCON

GRAND COMMANDER OF THE ORDER OF THE NIGER

October 11, 2022, marked the day

President Muhammadu Buhari conferred National Honours on 447 Nigerians and non-Nigerians, who have distinguished themselves in the nation’s service and humanity and contributed to national development. The event took place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Other criteria listed by the President for selecting the recipients are:

‘’Distinct act of bravery in the protection and/or defence of national interest, public peace, the safety of life and property.

The award, which was in 10 categories, was presented to Supreme Court Justices, judges, top lawyers, incumbent and former governors, Ministers, traditional rulers, creative artists, politicians, businessmen, athletes, and security officers who died in the line of duty, and other distinguished Nigerians.

A total of six persons were conferred with GCON, 55 received Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), 65 got the Commander of the Order of Niger (CON), 77 were presented with the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR); 110 received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON); 74 were presented with Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and 55 received Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).

There were four recipients each for the Federal Republic Medal I (FRM I) and Federal Republic Medal II (FRM II) Second Class) respectively.

Speaking at the event, President Muhammadu Buhari commended the National Awards Committee headed by Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, the Emir of Lafia, for a great and patriotic duty by diligently going through over 5,000 submissions and coming up with these recommendations.

‘‘Today, we celebrate their dignity and strong strength of character by conferring National Honours on them. They are a shining example to our younger generation. I congratulate all the recipients today who will be joining the league of Awardees.

‘‘I appreciate the non-Nigerian recipients and assure all of you that this administration will continue to provide the enabling environment for you to undertake your lawful businesses to allow you to sustain your efforts at contributing to the development of our nation, Nigeria,’’ he added.

GCON

GRAND COMMANDER OF THE

OF

Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan GCON is a Nigerian politician and professor who has served as President of the Senate of Nigeria since 2019.

Amina Jane Mohammed GCON is a Nigerian-British diplomat and politician serving as the fifth Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Tijjani Muhammad-Bande OFR GCON is a Nigerian diplomat, academic and political scientist who was the President of the United Nations General Assembly of the 74th session

Ibrahim Muhammad Tanko GCON is a Nigerian jurist who served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 2006 to 2022 and as Chief Justice of Nigeria

2019 until his resignation in

2022.

Hon Justice Olukayode Ariwoola Olukayode Ariwoola GCON is a Nigerian jurist and Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and is currently the Chief justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila Olufemi Hakeem Gbajabiamila, is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who has served as Speaker of the House of Representatives since 2019.

Sen Augustine Ovie Omo Agege Ovie Omo-Agege is a lawyer and senator of the Delta central senatorial district in Nigeria and the 2023 gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta.

Boss Mustapha Boss Gidahyelda Mustapha CFR is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who is the Secretary to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria .

Folashade Yemi - Esan Folashade Yemi - Esan, is a Nigerian civil servant and the current head of the civil service of the federation.

Hon Justice Kudirat Kekere Ekun Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo popularly known as Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is a Nigerian jurist and Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara Yakubu Dogara CFR is a Nigerian politician and lawyer who served as the 14th Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria..

Maj Gen Babagana Monguno (Rtd) Mohammed Babagana Monguno is a retired Nigerian military general and current National Security Adviser. He was the Chief of Defence Intelligence from July 2009 to September 2011; and the Commander of the Brigade of Guards from 2007 to 2009.

Gen Lucky Irabor General Lucky Eluonye Onyenuchea Irabor NAM GSS psc ndc FCMH CFR is a Nigerian army general and the current Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria.

Air Marshall Oladayo Amao Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao DFS GSS RBS GSM QFI psc fndu MSc MMSc is an Air Marshal, who is the Chief of Air Staff of the Nigerian Air Force.

Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo

Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo AM GSS psc ensp MTM MNIM MUSNI FCIS FIIPS FCAI is a Navy Vice Admiral, and the Chief of Naval Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Yusuf Magaji Bichi Yusuf Magaji Bichi fwc, CFR is the Director-General of the State Security Service (DG-SSS). Bichi began his career in the Secu rity Division of the Cabinet Office in Kano State from 1981 to 1984, in 1984 he joined the defunct Nigerian Security Organization (NSO), the precursor of the present State Security Service, now renamed Department of State Services, where he rose to the rank of director.

Dr Solomon Ehigiator Arase Solomon Ehigiator Arase is a retired Nigerian police officer who served as the 18th Inspector-General of Nigerian Police (IGP).

Usman Akali Baba Alkali Baba Usman, is the current substantive and 21st Nigerian Inspector General of Police. He was appointed by the Presi dent of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari to replace Mohammed Adamu who retired from Nigeria Police Force in February 2021.

Col Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) Hameed Ibrahim Ali is the current Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service. A retired military officer, he previously served as Military Governor of Kaduna State from 1996 to 1998.

HM OBA Adeyemi Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja III Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; is the 51st and current Ooni of Ife. The Oba is an advocate for the empowerment and eman cipation of women and young people. He has transformed Ile-Ife into a tourist zone, with changes including the beautification, redesign and re-construction of the ancient city.

Mallam Abba Kyari (post humous) (Represented by Aisha Kyari.) Mallam Abba Kyari was a Nigerian lawyer who served as Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria from August 2015 to April 2020. As chief of staff, he was widely considered to be the face of the “cabal” and the most powerful person in the Buhari administration.

Jim Ovia Jim Ovia is a Nigerian businessman and founder/Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc. Ovia also heads numerous NGO’s.

His Highness Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero Aminu Ado Bayero, CFR (born 1961) is the 15th Fulani Emir of Kano from the Fulani Sullubawa clan.

Tony O Elumelu Anthony Onyemaechi Elumelu is a Nigerian economist, and philanthropist. He chairs Heirs Holdings, Transcorp and is the founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation. He also chairs the board of the United Bank for Africa.

HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III Ogiame Atuwatse III is the paramount ruler of the Kingdom of Warri, and the 21st Olu of Warri. He was born Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko, also known as Tsola Emiko to Olu Atuwatse II, the 19th Olu of Warri and Gladys Durorike Emiko in Warri.

Wole Olanipekun, is a Lawyer and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He is also the Principal Partner of Wole Olanipekun and Co, a leading law firm in Nigeria with the headquarters in Nigeria.

Ambassador Sarafadeen Tunji Isola

Nigerian Ambassador

the

COMMANDER OF THE ORDER OF THE NIGER

Nduka Obaigbena, a media mogul, is the Chairman THISDAY/ARISE Group, former chairman, News paper Proprietors Association of Nigeria and a prince of Owa Oyibu, Agbor, Delta State.

Nduka Obaigbena

Gov David Nweze Umuahi David Nweze Umahi CON currently serves as the Governor of Ebonyi State.

Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa Ifeanyichukwu Arthur Okowa is a Doctor and Governor of Delta State . He also is the PDP’s Vice-Presidential nominee for the 2023 presidential election.

Gov Darius Dickson Ishiaku

Darius Dickson Ishiaku, FNIA, FNITP is an architect, urban planner, university lecturer and politician. He is aalso the current Governor of Taraba State.

Gov Babagana Umara Zulum Babagana Umara Zulum CON is a Pofessor and the current Governor of Borno State

Abubakar Atiku Bagudu Abubakar Atiku Bagudu is a Nigerian politician and the current governor of Kebbi State, Nigeria. Previously, he served as the Senator for the Kebbi Central constituency of Kebbi state.

Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is the Governor of Enugu State. Prior to this he was a member of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for 12 years.

Rotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN is a lawyer and politician who is currently the Governor of Ondo State, in office

He

president of the Nigerian Bar Association

Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN is a lawyer and politician currently serving as the

Minister of Works

He

FOREIGN AWARDS...

Mallam Muhammed Musa Bello Mohammed Musa Bello is the Minister of Federal Capital Territory. He spent over twenty years in the corporate sector in vari ous capacities, and was a Director of Habib Bank Plc, and other companies

Prof Benedict Okechukwu Oramah Dr. Benedict Okey Oramah assumed the position of President of the African Export – Import Bank (Afreximbank) in Septem ber 2015. Prior to his current role, he was the Executive Vice President in charge of for Business Development and Corporate Banking (BDCB),

Abubakar Malami SAN Abubakar Malami SAN, is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who since 2015 is serving as Minister for Justice and Attorney-Gen eral of the Federation.

Ronald Chagoury, OFR is a Nigerian businessman, the co-founder, and CEO of the Chagoury Group. He conceptualised and built Eko Atlantic city, He was born in Nigeria to parents who had emigrated from Lebanon in the 1940s.

Herbert Wigwe Herbert wigwe is currently the CEO of Access Holdings Plc, traded as Access Corporation

Gov Ben Ayade

Professor Ben Ayade is the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria He bagged his PhD at the young age of 26 from the prestigious University of Ibadan and became a Professor of Science at the age of 36.

Chief Dr Mike Ozekhome SAN -CON Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome is a lawyer and human rights activist, holding the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He is known for his work as a constitutional lawyer and also as an orator.

Engr Dr Chukwuemeka Obiora Okwuosa Engr. Emeka Okwuosa is a seasoned engineer and the founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of several companies that operate in the Oil and Gas industry in Africa.

Mele Kolo Kyari Mele Kolo Kyari, is a Nigerian geologist, crude oil marketer and 1st Group Chief executive officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian Na tional Petroleum company limited (NNPC limited). Before this appointment, Kyari was the Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division of the NNPC.

Sen. Osita Izunaso Senator Osita Bonadventure Izunaso was elected Senator for the Imo West (Orlu) constituency of Imo State, Nigeria, taking of fice from 29 May 2007 to 2011.

Dr. Bashir Yusuf Jamoh Bashir Yusuf Jamoh (Ph.D), is the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Administration Agency (NIMASA), and has over 29 years of public service experience.

Bimbo Ogunbanjo Bimbo is the Managing Partner of the

law firm of Chris Ogunbanjo & Co (solicitors).He was the

head honcho

has

finance

OON

Prof Obiora Okonkwo

Obiora Okonkwo is the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines. A successful businessman who started off at Onitsha market, he holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Political Science (with distinction), from the Russian Academy of Science, Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Moscow. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FNIPR) and the Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria (FCE).

Engr. Mansur Ahmed joined the Dangote Group in 2013 as the Executive Director, Corporate Communications and Stakehold er Relations. Currently he is the Group Executive Director, Government and Strategic Relations. - OFR

Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa is a politician and former member of the Nigeria Federal House of Representatives representing Ikorodu Constituency in Lagos State. In November 2018, Dabiri-Erewa was given a new role as Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. - OON

Hon Ndudi Elumelu Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu represents Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives. He is currently the Minority leader of the House of Representatives. Elumelu has made impactful contributions by way of sponsoring several Motions and Bills for the improvement of quality of life of his immediate constituency and people of Nigerian in general.

CHIEF FERDINAND NGOGO ALABRABA is a renowned business mogul and the the Chairman of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority. He was the former chairman of Former Chairman of UBA and pasa former President of Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN).

SHOLA AKINLADE is a Nigerian software engineer and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of PayStack.

OON

OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF THE NIGER

OFR

DR ADORA UMEOJI is Nigeria’s foremost Banker and the Deputy Managing Director of Zenith bank. She has an outstanding and exemplary career in the banking industry.

CHIEF DR LEEMON AGBONJAGWE IKPEA isa business mogul and the owner of Lee Engineering and Construction Company Limited, which is a foremost homegrown, oil, gas and power services company. Ikpea has major investment in oil and gas, aviation, real estate and logistics.

ABDULRAZAQ ISA KUTEPA is the Chairman/CEO of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, an indigenous upstream oil and gas company. He is a seasoned entrepreneur, Manager and astute businessman with over 30 years of experience in Financial Services and Oil & Gas industry.

BIODUN OLUSINA SHOBANJO is one of Nigeria’s finest marketing communication practitioner. He is the founder of insight communication (now insight Publicis, Nigeria’s foremost advertising agency.

Abdulrazaq Isa Kutepa OFR Abdulrazaq Isa Kutepa is the Chairman/CEO of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, an indigenous upstream oil and gas com pany. He is a seasoned entrepreneur, Manager and astute businessman with over 30 years of experience in Financial Services and Oil & Gas industry.

Dr Adora Umeoji OON

Dr Adora Umeoji is Nigeria’s foremost Banker and the Deputy Managing Director of Zenith bank. She has an outstanding and exemplary career in the banking industry.

Biodun Olusina Shobanjo OON

Biodun Shobanjo is one of Nigeria’s finest marketing communication practitioner. He is the founder of Insight Communication (now Insight Publicis, Nigeria’s foremost advertising agency.

Chief Dr Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea OON

Chief Dr Leemon Agbonjagwei Ikpea is a business mogul and the owner of Lee Engineering and Construction Company Limited, which is a foremost homegrown, oil, gas and power services company. Ikpea has major investment in oil and gas, aviation, real estate and logistics.

OON

OON

OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF THE NIGER

OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF THE NIGER

OLUGBENGA AGOOLA is a Nigerian software engineer and entrepreneur. He is the CEO and co-founder of Flutterwave, an organization committed to changing the landscape of payments in the African continent.

CHIEF FERDINAND NGOGO ALABRABA former chairman of Former Chairman of UBA and pasa former President of Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN).

FEMI ADESINA is a Nigerian journalist and government official, serving as the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu BuhariAdesina wrote for Vanguard Newspapers and National Concord Newspapers before joining The Sun Newspaper, where he rose to editor-in-chief. He also served a two-year term as president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

SHOLA AKINLADE is a Nigerian software engineer and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of PayStack.

CHIEF GABRIEL IFEANYI OGBECHIE Dr. Gabriel Ifeanyi Ogbechie an oil Magnate and Group Managing Director of Rainoil Ltd, one of the leaders in the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, that has distinguished himself not only as a dynamic business administrator, inno vative director and technocrat but also shown a high degree of integrity and transparency in both private, religious, and public affairs.

Kofo Akinkugbe is a technology entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of SecureID, “Africa’s leading manufacturer of smart cards and other identity documents”

OLUGBENGA AGOOLA is a Nigerian software engineer and entrepreneur. He is the CEO and co-founder of Flutterwave, an organization committed to changing the landscape of payments in the African continent.

CHIEF FERDINAND NGOGO ALABRABA is a renowned business mogul and the the Chairman of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority. He was the former chairman of Former Chairman of UBA and pasa former President of Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN).

FEMI ADESINA is a Nigerian journalist and government official, serving as the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu BuhariAdesina wrote for Vanguard Newspapers and National Concord Newspapers before joining The Sun Newspaper, where he rose to editor-in-chief. He also served a two-year term as president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

SHOLA AKINLADE is a Nigerian software engineer and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of PayStack.

OON

MON

OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF THE NIGER

ORDER THE

MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF THE NIGER

OLUGBENGA AGOOLA is a Nigerian software engineer and entrepreneur. He is the CEO and co-founder of Flutterwave, an organization committed to changing the landscape of payments in the African continent.

CHIEF FERDINAND NGOGO ALABRABA is a renowned business mogul and the the Chairman of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority. He was the former chairman of Former Chairman of UBA and pasa former President of Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN).

FEMI ADESINA is a Nigerian journalist and government official, serving as the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu BuhariAdesina wrote for Vanguard Newspapers and National Concord Newspapers before joining The Sun Newspaper, where he rose to editor-in-chief. He also served a two-year term as

SHOLA AKINLADE is a Nigerian software engineer and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of PayStack.

AGOOLA a Nigerian software engineer and He the and co-founder Flutterwave, committed the payments the continent.

FERDINAND ALABRABA is renowned business mogul the Chairman Greater Port Development was chairman of UBA pasa former President Association Nigeria (BDAN).

FEMI ADESINA a Nigerian and official, the Special Adviser, and Publicity President Muhammadu wrote for Vanguard National Newspapers joining The Newspaper, where rose editor-in-chief. He also a term as

is and CEO PayStack.

Alhaji Abbas Umar Masanawa was the Managing Director of Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company @NSPMC, with over 20 years of experience in banking. He was Deputy General Manager Zenith Bank Plc, Special Adviser to the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and later appointed as Executive Director Finance and Strategies in the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company,.

Teniola Apata professionally known as Teni The Entertainer is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and entertainer.

Olamide Brown née Orekunrin is a British-Nigerian medical doctor that holds a Masters degree in Finance and Economic Policy from the University of London. She is also a four-time published author including the critically acclaimed Economic, Banking and Finance in Emerging Markets, well-known amongst youths, finance and business experts. She is a leading voice in the business and finance of healthcare both within Nigeria and across the African continent.

Sabi’u Yusuf OFR, Principal Private Secretary to the President receiving his award for a life of service

Dr Kola Adesina Group Managing Director of Sahara. Dr Kola is an entrepreneur with proficiency that cuts across academia,, finance, energy, trade and diplomacy. Kola leads the team at Sahara group aimed at bringing energy to life by deploying diversified power sources to light up lives, businesses and sustainable interventions in Nigeria and across Africa.

Comrade Christopher Ikechukwu Isiguzo Christopher Ikechukwu Isiguzo is a two-time National Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalist and a regional editor of This

Julius Rone is the Group Managing Director of Nigerian energy conglomerate UTM Offshore. He is a a seasoned administrator with vast ex perience spanning over a decade in the public sector. He has membership portfolios in professional bodies like The Institute of Directors (IoD); American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP); American Management Association (AMA); International Association of Administra tive Professionals (IAAP) USA; Association of Associate Executives (AAE) etc

OCJ Okocha, SAN, OFR, former President, Nigerian Bar Association

Business

Lawal Garba