The National Council of State has approved President Bola Tinubu’s list of 959 national honours and special awards for 2024 and 2025, recognising outstanding Nigerians and friends of the country for their service and contributions.
Announcing the decision after the Council’s meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr. Emanso Umobong, said the list included recipients of national honours and special awards conferred by the President between January 2025 and October 2025.
“The Council today approved the report of the National Honours Award Committee for the years 2024 and 2025, as well as the special awards earlier bestowed by the President between January 2025 and now,” she stated.
Dr. Umobong recalled that President Tinubu had earlier reconstituted the National Honours Award Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness, Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed (rtd), Emir of Lafia and former Supreme Court Justice.
She said the committee screened over 5,000 applications, recommending 824 individuals for national honours and 135 for special presidential awards.
“The award of titles of honour and decorations is an annual national event through which the President recognises and celebrates deserving citizens and friends of Nigeria,” she added.
Among those honoured are Bill Gates, for his contributions to public health; the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four, recognised posthumously for their environmental activism; veteran journalist Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu; former INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu; and Nigeria’s female national teams, the Super Falcons and D’Tigress.
“The committee has completed its work, and the Council has given its endorsement. The list of successful candidates will be made public shortly,” Dr. Umobong said.
