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.

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Describing Oramah as a visionary leader, President Tinubu lauded his efforts in expanding intra-African trade, streamlining payment systems, and driving critical development initiatives across the continent. “Today is your day, Prof. Oramah,” Tinubu declared. “I have the privilege of bestowing upon you one of Nigeria’s highest honours in recognition of your outstanding service the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.”

Under Professor Oramah’s leadership, Afreximbank’s assets grew exponentially from $5 billion to over $37 billion. His tenure saw the bank play a pivotal role in Africa’s pandemic response, providing financing for over 400 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, supporting industrialisation, and strengthening the creative economy. The president noted that Nigeria alone had benefited from more than $52 billion in support across vital sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Tinubu highlighted landmark projects including the Dangote and BUA Refineries, the African Medical Centre of Excellence, and the Africa Quality Assurance Centre, describing them as emblematic of Africa’s rising potential and Nigeria’s strategic importance. He further commended Nigeria’s adoption of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), a move aimed at enhancing cross-border trade and reducing dependency on foreign currencies.

Looking ahead, Tinubu announced the upcoming launch of the Africa Energy Bank, to be headquartered in Abuja with a $5 billion initial capital base, designed to finance Africa’s energy transition and support renewable energy development. Other ongoing collaborations include scaling Nigeria’s fertiliser production capacity to 7.5 million tonnes annually and advancing critical infrastructure such as the $3.5 billion Bakassi Deep Seaport.

President Tinubu underscored Afreximbank’s evolving role as more than a financier but as a strategic partner in building Africa’s economic architecture. Through initiatives like FEDA, AQAC, CANEX, and PAPSS, the bank supports African entrepreneurship, boosts quality standards, and empowers creative and export-driven industries.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s broader economic trajectory, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to difficult yet essential reforms aimed at stabilising the macroeconomy, promoting inclusive growth, and enhancing productivity. “Since May 2023, under our Renewed Hope Agenda, we have undertaken bold measures, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and unification of exchange rates, to secure a sustainable economic future for all Nigerians,” he stated.

In honoring Professor Oramah, President Tinubu not only celebrated individual excellence but also reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to lead in shaping Africa’s economic renaissance.

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