PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday, directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim, to ensure that Pa Michael Akinkunmi, the designer of the Nigerian flag, who he described as a man who contributed so much to the history of the country, be placed on the salary of a Special Assistant to the President.
The president also directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, to give a flat each to a taxi driver, Mr Ime Usuah; traffic warden, Solomon Dauda and a steward, Mr Michael Isaac Onuh, who were equally recipients of the national honours.
Jonathan gave the directives while bestowing national awards on some Nigerians in Abuja, where he described the ceremony as an annual ritual of renewal, in which the society constantly connected with its higher values.
The president noted that a nation was poor if it was not rich in people who carried noble values transferred from generation to generation.
According to him, no great nation would toy with honours that constituted its trans-generational character code.
The president said he was happy going through this year’s list of honourees, adding that there was a broader and more salutary spectrum, which he described as one that demonstrated that the nation was rich in men, women, youth and the professions.
“I believe one of the reasons our society is not at ease is because we have neglected our ennobling traditional value system. There was a time in our country that when you were honoured with traditional or religious titles in any community, you were deemed to personify the highest ethos of that community.
“We must get back those time-honoured values that shaped us for good, so that we can live right. This is what the national honour in its truest essence seeks to do, to identify and celebrate men and women whose lives depict the very essence of societal existence. Therefore, at all times, our honourees must be sincere men and women who point society in the right direction and mirror the possibilities of greatness unlimited.
“I congratulate all the awardees and enjoin you all to realise that the honour your country bestows on you today is an additional responsibility to continue to demonstrate the strength of character that has brought you to the hall of fame. Your lifestyle must be exemplary and reflect that of a truly honourable man or woman who, at all times, project the noblest of virtues.
“To all our country men and women, my challenge to you is to strive to do the best in whatever endeavour you are in, that would recommend you for the recognition of your nation. It really does not matter what you do.
“Take Mr Ime Usuah, the taxi driver whose daily income was not more than N10,000 for example. A passenger forgot N18 million in his taxi and went away.
“The man did not have Mr Usuah’s name or his phone number. The honest Nigerian spirit in Mr Usuah led him to go hunting for the owner of the N18 million and he delivered it to him, intact. This is how it should be.
“For many of you in Abuja or who visit our nation’s capital, you must have seen a hard working traffic warden who does his job with great dexterity, glee and happiness. As a traffic officer, he delights in entertaining commuters by graceful gyrations and gesticulations as he efficiently directs traffic. Solomon Dauda carries on his job with evident pride and dignity.
“While congratulating them all, it is my hope that their richly deserved recognition will inspire other Nigerians and non-Nigerians in our country to recommit themselves to dedicated service to our fatherland and our common humanity,” he said.
The Monday’s investiture brought to 4,737, the total national honours so far conferred on individuals since it began in 1963.
At the event, 25 individuals were conferred with the national honour of the Commander of the Order of Federal Republic (CFR); 60 Commander of the Order of Niger (CON), 54 Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR); 63 Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON); 53 Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and 56 Member of the Order of the Niger.
One recipient each got the Federal Republic Medal (First Class) and Federal Republic Medal (Second Class) respectively.
Meanwhile, all guests and awardees were subjected to thorough screening before they were granted access to the venue of the award.