Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged Nigeria to shift its focus in awarding national honours, advocating that titles like GCFR and GCON be reserved for entrepreneurs and nation builders rather than politicians.
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Speaking in Abuja at the public presentation of The Chronicles of a Legend, a biography celebrating the life of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, Obi described the Esama as a true Nigerian icon deserving not only of recognition but of tangible national support for his contributions to education, business, and philanthropy.
“We live in a country where those meant to be celebrated are not celebrated,” Obi said.
He highlighted Igbinedion’s impact, noting, “He employed 17,000 people through his contributions to education alone. I agree with the SGF that he will do more, but now that we have the opportunity, we must change how we honour people.”
Obi emphasized that Nigeria’s highest honours should reflect productivity and positive national impact.
“GCFR and GCON should be for those who are productive like entrepreneurs and not us, the politicians. If they like, they can remove ours and give them to people like him so the country can grow, employ more, and thrive,” he added.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, praised Igbinedion for his remarkable contributions to aviation, education, and cultural preservation, describing him as “a fine and extraordinary Nigerian whose life exemplifies resilience, patriotism, and visionary leadership across sectors.”
Akume called for government support to enable more entrepreneurs to follow the Esama’s model.
In a personal commitment, Obi pledged to contribute annually to the Esama Endowment Fund for the next ten years and beyond.
“Endowment is not paid in one day, it is continuous. I assure you that annually, this fund will see Mr. Peter Obi’s little contribution for at least the next decade and as long as I live because what he [Igbinedion] has done is a great thing,” Obi stated.
Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki also lauded Igbinedion’s vision and humility.
“To imagine someone establishing an airline, a bank, and a university 30 years ago tells you the kind of person he is,” Saraki said. “But beyond that, his humility and kindness stood out. He served everyone, regardless of status.”
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