KEBBI GOVT DONATES 10 HILUX VEHICLES TO BOOST SECURITY ON SOKOTO–BADAGRY SUPER HIGHWAY. (PHOTOS).
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has criticized the Federal Government’s practice of conferring national honours primarily on politicians, advocating for a reformed system that prioritizes entrepreneurs and productive contributors to society. Obi made these remarks on Thursday in Abuja during the public presentation of *The Chronicles of a Legend*, a biography celebrating business mogul and philanthropist Gabriel Igbinedion.
Speaking at the event, Obi emphasized that prestigious awards such as the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) should be reserved for individuals who drive economic and social progress, rather than politicians. “We have to change the way we honour people,” he stated, calling for a shift in national priorities to celebrate tangible contributions to Nigeria’s development.
Obi lauded Igbinedion’s achievements in aviation, education, and the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, describing him as a model of the kind of citizen deserving of national recognition. “We live in a country where we celebrate people who are supposed not to be celebrated. If we did, the celebration we are giving him today would have been more,” Obi said. He highlighted Igbinedion’s role as a major employer, noting that the philanthropist employed over 17,000 Nigerians. “If we had been a productive country, over 20 million Nigerians would have been employed because of efforts like his,” Obi added.
The former Anambra State governor’s comments come amid ongoing public debate over the Federal Government’s criteria for national honours. Recently, the conferral of awards and gifts, including cash and houses, to the Super Falcons for their African Cup of Nations victory sparked discussions about fairness in recognizing contributions across sectors like education, health, and national security.
In July 2025, President Bola Tinubu bestowed national honours on several Nigerians, both living and deceased, for their roles in national development. The move elicited mixed reactions, with some praising the recognition of notable figures and others questioning the selection process.
Obi’s call for reform underscores a growing demand for transparency and meritocracy in Nigeria’s honours system, as citizens urge the government to prioritize individuals whose work directly uplifts the nation’s economy and society.
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