President Bola Tinubu has approved the conferment of 959 national honours and endorsed reforms to strengthen the funding framework for the Nigeria Police Force.
The announcements followed marathon sessions of the National Council of State and the Police Council at the State House, Abuja.
Addressing journalists on Thursday after the meetings, the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr. Emanso Umobong, stated, “The award of titles of honour and decorations of dignitaries is a yearly event.
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At this event, the President honours deserving nationals and non-nationals who have distinguished themselves in the service of the nation and humanity.”
She added that the current National Honours Award Committee, reconstituted in August 2021 and chaired by Justice Sidi Bage, screened over 5,000 applications before recommending 824 recipients for the 2024/2025 honours.
In addition, the committee recommended 135 special awardees, bringing the total number of honourees to 959
“After diligent screening and selection by the committee, a total of 824 successful applicants were recommended for the 2024/2025 National Honours and 135 special awards by the President,” Umobong said.
Notable awardees include Bill Gates for contributions to public health, Uncle Sam Pemu for journalism, the Super Falcons and D’Tigress for excellence in sports, and posthumously, the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four for environmental activism.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the outgoing INEC Chairman, was also recognised for his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic process.
Following the Council of State meeting, President Tinubu chaired the Nigeria Police Council, where the Council approved reforms to the Police Trust Fund.
Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam, said, “The Council approved the repeal and re-enactment of the Police Trust Fund Establishment Act to remove the sunset clause and transform it into a permanent agency.”
Geidam added that allocations to the Fund will increase from 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent of the Federation Account, ensuring sustainable support for policing operations.
