Reason Why Aliko Dangote Bagged GCON Honour - Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan Monday disclosed why billionaire industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, got the second highest national honour, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

The honour had always been reserved for vice-presidents, senate presidents and the chief justice. But speaking at the conferment ceremony at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, Jonathan said Dangote bagged the GCON because he had, through his enterprise, brought succour to the country by employing over 12,000 Nigerians.

He said when Dangote completes building the other companies, he would employ about 22,000 Nigerians while his business is worth over $13.8 billion “which makes him the richest man in Africa though from a humble beginning”. The president called on Nigerians to be nation builders who would make the requisite sacrifices in partnering his administration to ensure the realisation of the transformation agenda that would usher in good governance and development.

Chairman of the Award Committee and former Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Saliu Modibo Alfa Belgore, said honours were given to 355 persons for 2010 and 2011, while 3,934 had been awarded since inception in 1963. Top on the list of those honoured are governors, military officers and captains of industry. On the criteria for selection, Jonathan said such awards globally have always attracted criticisms, adding that Nigeria's would not be an exception.

He pointed out that there were categories in awards, one of which was based on academic achievements and the other for those who distinguish themselves in service and bringing honour to the country. He said he had no hand in choosing who receives the academic awards for excellence as his role was limited to decorating those chosen, while the other category involved people who brought honour to the country where a committee also screens and brings out names of awardees.

“One thing I am aware of is that there have been criticisms of the National Award nominations and selection process. I have since directed the appropriate departments to note the concerns that have been expressed and to take steps to ensure further improvement so that the National Honours award can continue to serve its purpose. 

“National Honours are not merely decorative; they remind us of an important part of our responsibilities as citizens. We must always endeavour to do the best for our country even as we realise with deep humility that all human beings are fallible, we must look forward with confidence and hope that our country through each and every one of us can indeed put its God-given endowment to the best possible use.

“Let me re-emphasise again, how some of the people are selected because there are comments from very young people who are a bit confused about how people are selected for National Honours. As I have mentioned, even the most celebrated Nobel peace prize is being criticised, so definitely you will expect criticisms. But in Nigeria, you have three awards; two are parallel and we gave two today, the GCFR and GCON series and of course the Nigerian National Merit Award. The Nigerian National Merit award is meant for scholars and not just scholars but scholars with distinction and the committee that will select those who will receive that award are among the eggheads.

“The president plays almost no role in selecting who wins the merit award, because that is for academic division. The president plays the ceremonial position of just decorating or presenting the award to those scholars. “But the National Honours criteria are different. It is based on what an individual has contributed to his community, his state, his country and how you have projected this country outside. It does not depend on how many certificates you have, it does not depend even on the size of certificate you have and it does not even depend on the status you have in the society and I need to mention that,” he explained.

Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, who was among the nine serving governors decorated with the Commander of Order on Niger (CON), said it would spur him to further service as his efforts were being recognised. Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio said the award was not decorative but in recognition of their dedication to service. Anambra Governor Peter Obi was also honoured. Chairman of First Bank, Mr. Oba Otudeko, was conferred with the Commander of the Federal Republic award.

Source: ThisDayLive