By Kayode Falade
President Muhammadu Buhari has conferred national honours on the Emir of Dutse and the advisory board chairman of NatureNews, His Royal Highness Mohammed Hamim Nuhu Sanusi, and other deserving individuals.
Emir Sanusi was conferred with the prestigious honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).
The royal father who is the 22nd Emir of Dutse succeeded his father, Nuhu Muhammad-Sanusi, who died after reigning for 28 years.
The emir is one of the eminent individuals (dead and alive) who were considered worthy to be bestowed with the prestigious honour.
The Federal Government announced the recipients of 2023 national awards on Sunday.
Emeka Anyaoku, former commonwealth secretary-general, is the sole person nominated for Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
Others listed for the award of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) are Godwin Emefiele, governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Hadi Sirika, Minister of Aviation; and Bisi Akande, a former governor of Osun State.
Others are Herbert Wigwe, group chief executive officer, Access Holdings; late Mohammed Barkindo, former Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) secretary-general; and Chima Nweze, a supreme court judge, among others.
Terry Waya, a Nigerian businessman; Wale Edun, an economist and member of the presidential transition committee (PTC), Awele Elumelu, co-founder of Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) and chairperson of Avon Medical Practice Limited, were among those listed for the award of the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Some other prominent women who would receive national honours include Oluremi Tinubu, wife of President-elect Bola Tinubu; Owen Omogiafo, president of Transcorp Group; and Sharon Ikeazor, minister of state for Niger Delta Affairs.