At the heart of a recent Abuja event celebrating one of Nigeria’s most iconic business figures, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, delivered a stirring critique of the Federal Government’s approach to honouring citizens. Speaking with conviction at the unveiling of The Chronicles of a Legend, a biography detailing the life and achievements of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, Obi questioned the logic behind prioritising political figures for the nation’s most prestigious awards.
Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State and vocal advocate for good governance, took the opportunity to spotlight what he described as a misplaced culture of recognition in Nigeria. According to him, the country must rethink the standards for national honours, particularly the highly esteemed Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), which have traditionally gone to presidents, vice presidents, and top-level politicians.
"We must begin to reward those who are truly productive, those who have contributed meaningfully to our economic and social development," Obi declared to an audience of dignitaries, journalists, and admirers of Igbinedion’s legacy. "These highest honours should be reserved for entrepreneurs, industrialists, and people who build, not just politicians who often take more than they give."
The biography launch became more than a celebration of a single man’s achievements. It evolved into a broader reflection on values, legacy, and what it means to serve a nation. Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, is known for his pivotal role in Nigeria’s private sector. His pioneering efforts in aviation, the establishment of educational institutions, and the creation of thousands of jobs have made him a symbol of industrious leadership outside the sphere of politics.
Obi pointed out that while Igbinedion’s contributions have left a permanent imprint on Nigeria’s development, individuals like him often do not receive the level of national recognition they deserve. "We are too quick to honour those who haven’t earned it by way of genuine national contribution," he said. "If we were a truly productive country, then people like Igbinedion would not just be celebrated in ceremonies like this but would be institutionalised as national role models."
The former governor went further, challenging the country’s reward system, which, in his view, undervalues excellence in private enterprise and over-glorifies political office. He warned that this trend could dampen the aspirations of young Nigerians who might look to public office as the quickest route to fame and reward rather than pursuing impactful careers in business, science, or public service.
Obi’s remarks come at a time when national conversations around honours and rewards have intensified. Recently, the Federal Government conferred national titles and material gifts, including cash and houses, to members of the Super Falcons following their African Cup of Nations victory. While the gesture was widely applauded in some quarters, others have raised concerns about the imbalance in recognising contributors across various sectors.
Public discourse has grown especially vocal about the need to elevate teachers, healthcare professionals, security officers, and innovators to the same pedestal as athletes and politicians. Obi’s stance echoes the sentiments of many Nigerians who believe that the country's future depends not only on policy makers but also on job creators and social changemakers.
President Bola Tinubu’s decision in July to award national honours to several Nigerians, both living and posthumously, sparked another wave of debate. While some recipients were praised for their lifelong service, others drew criticism, prompting questions about the selection criteria and transparency of the honours process.
Obi made it clear that his position was not an attack on the athletes or other celebrated individuals, but a call to deepen the understanding of merit and contribution. "We must not stop celebrating excellence in sports or anywhere else. But we must also create a balanced system that appreciates all who labour to build our nation," he said.
He closed his speech by drawing attention to the economic implications of undervaluing entrepreneurship. Highlighting Igbinedion’s record of employing over 17,000 Nigerians, Obi noted that widespread support for such ventures could drastically reduce the country's unemployment figures. "If we had ten people like him, we would have been on a different economic trajectory today," he said.
Obi’s call has added urgency to an already growing demand for a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s national honours system. For many attendees at the event, his message resonated deeply, serving as both a celebration of one man’s legacy and a reminder of what true national service looks like.
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