The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has called for a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s national honours system, arguing that the country must begin to celebrate productivity and genuine contribution to national development rather than political patronage.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of “The Chronicles of a Legend,” a biography of business mogul and philanthropist Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, Obi said the nation must redefine its value system by rewarding excellence in entrepreneurship, innovation, and public service.
“The Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) should be reserved for entrepreneurs and productive people, not politicians,” Obi declared. “We have to change the way we honour people.”
‘We Celebrate the Wrong People’ Obi
The former Anambra State governor lamented what he described as a misplaced culture of recognition in Nigeria, where those who have little to show in terms of productivity and impact are often celebrated more than true nation-builders.
“We live in a country where we celebrate people who are supposed not to be celebrated,” Obi said. “If we truly appreciated those who built and sustained our economy, the celebration we are giving Chief Igbinedion today would have been much greater.”
Tribute to Igbinedion’s Legacy
Obi praised Chief Igbinedion for his pioneering efforts in aviation, education, and cultural preservation, noting that his ventures have provided employment and opportunity to thousands of Nigerians over the decades.
“If we had been a productive country, over 20 million Nigerians would have been employed because Chief Igbinedion alone employed more than 17,000 people,” Obi said, describing the Esama of Benin as a symbol of hard work, vision, and enterprise.
Debate Over National Awards Intensifies
Obi’s comments come amid growing public debate over the Federal Government’s recent conferral of national honours and the awarding of cash and house gifts to the Super Falcons following their African Cup of Nations triumph.
While many Nigerians applauded the recognition of the victorious athletes, others argued that similar honours should go to individuals making outstanding contributions in education, healthcare, and national security.
In July, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred national awards on several Nigerians both living and deceased for their roles in national development, a move that received mixed reactions from the public.
Obi’s remarks add to a mounting call for the Federal Government to adopt a merit-based system of national recognition that promotes productivity, integrity, and service over political affiliation.
“Our honours system should inspire excellence, not reward mediocrity,” Obi concluded. “Until we begin to value those who create, innovate, and uplift others, Nigeria will continue to celebrate the wrong people.”
