Despite hardships, Nigeria still boasts people of integrity – Buhari

From Okwe Obi, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that despite the economic challenges bedevilling the country, “Nigeria still boasts of men and women of integrity.”

President Buhari, who stated this during the conferment of national honours to 447 people in Abuja, pointed out that the honour was not merely decorative, but a reminder of an important part of citizens’ responsibility.

Some of the awardees included; Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Amina Mohammed, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Josephine Agu and Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, among others.

The National Honours Awards was established by the National Honours Act of No 6 in 1964. It took effect on October 1, 1963.

“Despite the present economic challenges, Nigeria still boasts of men and women of integrity; Ms Josephine Agu, an airport cleaner returned $12,200 found in a toilet at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos as well as Ogbanago Muhammed Ibrahim, a bank security man who found and returned $10,000,” the president stated.

“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.

“​It is worthy of note that nation-building involves a lot of sacrifice by the citizenry. Citizens who contribute to national development deserve to be encouraged and appreciated.”

He reiterated his determination to root out banditry, criminality, terrorism and insurgency in the land, with the help of citizens with like minds.

“We will continue to root out all forms of banditry, criminality, terrorism and insurgency in the land. As I stated earlier in my Independence address to the nation, I will hand over a Nigeria that is free from insecurity to the next generation of leaders.

“This administration will continue to partner with Nigerians and friends of Nigeria with like minds in our efforts to build the Nigeria of our dream where everybody will thrive to excel in their chosen fields devoid of parochial sentiments,” he said.

Earlier, Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs Sen George Akume disclosed that 5,000 names were submitted but were trimmed to 447.

Akume said: Permit me to inform you of the rigorous process the recipients passed through for this investment ceremony.

“Over 5000 nominations were submitted to the committee for consideration. The nominees were subjected to a thorough screening and at the end of the entire exercise, 449 Nigerians and friends of Nigerians were selected.”

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, said the recognition was a call to greater service to humanity.

“This award is an additional call to service. It is a call to duty and an invitation to realise that citizens’ efforts will not be in vain.

‘We are therefore inspired, motivated and admonished to keep up our inputs, as stakeholders in the building of a virile nation.

“This is why I call on awardees to be steadfast, considering the responsibility that comes with the honours.

“This obligation is one of leadership, more work and the provision of inspiration to others,” Lawan said.