Jonathan decorates Obasanjo, Buhari, IBB, others with centenary awards

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday decorated
seven living former Nigerian Heads of State and
Presidents with the centenary awards.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that
the centenary anniversary awards night and dinner,
during which 100 recipients were decorated, was
held at the banquet hall of the Presidential Villa.
The decorated leaders are Yakubu Gowon, Chief
Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Shehu Shagari and Gen.
Muhammadu Buhari.
Others are Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Ernest
Shonekan and Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar.
NAN reports that six late Nigerian Heads of State
were honoured post-humously.
The recipients of the post-humous award are Dr
Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, Gen. Aguiyi
Ironsi, Gen. Murtala Mohammed, Gen. Sani Abacha
and Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua.
Also in the category is the presumed winner of the
June 1993 general election, late Chief Moshood
Abiola.
NAN reports that the President decorated the
representatives of the late leaders among whom is
Mrs Maryam Abacha.
NAN also reports that the centenary awards are in
13 categories with winners both living and dead.
The first are those who have contributed to the
making of Nigeria and they include Queen Elizabeth
II of England, Lord Fredrick Lugard and his wife,
Lady Lugard,
The second category is the Heroes of the Struggle
for independence/Pioneer political leaders which
include Azikiwe, Balewa, Macaulay and Chief
Obafemi Awolowo.
Others in the category are Sir Ahmadu Bello, Prof
Eyo Ita, Jaja Nwachukwu, Pa Michael Imoudu, Chief
Anthony Enahoro and Chief Joseph Tarka.
The rest are Malam Aminu Kano, Mrs Margaret
Ekpo, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Hajia Gambo
Sawaba.
The third category is the Pioneers in professional
Callings/careers which include the first indigenous
lawyer, Chief Sapara Williams, and the first
indigenous Solicitor, Chief Rotimi Williams.
The categories also include
the first indigenous Chartered Accountant, Chief
Akintola Williams, and the first indigenous Inspector
General of Police, Louis Edet, and the first
indigenous medical doctor, Prof. Eyitayo Lambo,
Also in the categories are the first female Vice
Chancelor of Nigerian universities, Prof. Grace Alele-
Williams, and the first indigenous female pilot,.Capt.
Chinyere Kalu.