President Jonathan Conferred National Honours On 313 People In Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday conferred different categories of national honours on 313 persons who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavour.



Among those honoured at the ceremony which was held at the International Conference Centre,
Abuja were a taxi driver, Mr. Imeh Usuah; a traffic warden, Cpl. Solomon Dauda; and a steward, Mr. Onuh Isaac, who have displayed exemplary performances.



The three of them got house gifts in the Federal Capital Territory from the President in addition to their national awards, Member of the Order of the Niger.


Jonathan also directed that the designer of the national flag, Pa Michael Akinkunmi, be placed on the salary of a Special Assistant to the President for life in addition to his national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic.



The President charged the honourees to ensure that the awards are not seen as mere pieces of paper and garlands tied around their necks.



The Monday's investiture brought to 4,737, the total of the national honours so far conferred on individuals since its inception in 1963.



Twenty-five individuals were conferred with the national honour of the Commander of the Order of Federal Republic; 60 persons were honoured with Commander of the Order of Niger, 54 got the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic; 63 received the Officer of the Order of the Niger; 53 were presented with Member of the Order of the Niger; and 56 got Member of the Order of the Niger.



One recipient each got the Federal Republic Medal (First Class) and Federal Republic Medal (Second Class) respectively.