The President, Muhammadu Buhari, has arrived in Abuja for the National Honours Awards Investiture at the International Conference Centre.
Buhari who arrived at 10:13 am was ushered into the premises by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and other senior officials.
Senate President Ahmed Laman, House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola, President’s Chief of Staff Professor Ibrahim Gambari, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and several ministers, including the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, George Akume, are in attendance.
Traditional rulers such as the Emir of Lafia, Sidi Mohammad, who is the Chairman of the National Honours Awards Committee Secretary of the 2022 National Honours Awards Investiture, and members of the diplomatic corps are also present.
The National Honours Awards was established by the National Honours Act of No 6 in 1964. However, it took retroactive effect from October 1, 1963.
The Act empowers the President by warrant, the Nigerian Order of Dignity to honour deserving citizens who have contributed to the development of and progress of the country in any field of endeavour.
447 citizens and foreigners labelled as “Nigerians and Friends of Nigeria,” will receive various honours ranging from the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger and Federal Republic Medals.
Some of the 13 persons who will be honoured posthumously include former Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari (CFR), former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and Aircraft Man Matthew Oyedepo, the latter two who died in a fatal plane crash in May 2021.