In a significant gesture to mark Nigeria's 64th Independence Day anniversary, President Bola Tinubu has conferred the prestigious national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. The announcement was made during a nationwide broadcast in Abuja on Tuesday as part of celebrations commemorating Nigeria's progress as a sovereign nation.
The conferment of these honours is in line with the tradition of recognising distinguished citizens who have made notable contributions to the nation’s development and governance. Both Akpabio and Kekere-Ekun were praised for their leadership roles in their respective offices, with President Tinubu highlighting their dedication to upholding democratic principles and ensuring the effective functioning of the legislative and judicial branches of government.
In his Independence Day speech, Tinubu remarked on the importance of recognising national service and the significance of the honours bestowed. "The Senate President and the Chief Justice of Nigeria have been granted the honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the service of the Nigerian people and the strengthening of our democracy," Tinubu said.
He also noted that the full list of recipients of national honours for 2024 would soon be announced, signalling that more individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation would be recognised in the near future.
Alongside the conferment of the GCON on Akpabio and Kekere-Ekun, President Tinubu also awarded the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) to Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas. Their roles in shaping the legislative agenda and ensuring the smooth operation of the National Assembly were cited as instrumental in advancing Nigeria’s democratic governance.
Additionally, the President conferred the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, acknowledging his contributions to legislative reform and leadership within the House.
President Tinubu used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing Nigeria and working towards a brighter future for all its citizens. In a message filled with optimism and resolve, he called on Nigerians to remain united and resilient in the face of current difficulties, assuring them of better days ahead.
"As we celebrate this milestone in our nation’s history, I urge every Nigerian to believe in our collective strength and the enduring promise of our country," Tinubu stated. "We are Nigerians—resilient and tenacious. We have faced challenges in the past and have always risen above them. Today is no different. The challenges of the moment must always remind us to believe in ourselves and the future of Nigeria."
The President emphasized that while the road ahead may be challenging, it is filled with opportunity for growth and renewal, especially with the support and participation of the Nigerian people. "Together, we can build a Nigeria that reflects the aspirations of all its citizens, a nation that resonates with pride, dignity, and shared success," he concluded.
In his final remarks, President Tinubu expressed hope for a future where Nigeria stands tall among the nations of the world, noting that the resilience and determination of its people are the bedrock of the country’s success. He urged citizens to continue working together, putting aside differences, and focusing on the shared goal of national progress.
As the country moves forward from its 64th Independence anniversary, the conferment of these national honours is seen as a reflection of the administration's commitment to recognising excellence in public service and fostering national unity through leadership, accountability, and dedication to Nigeria’s democratic values.
