Chief Awolowo, along with Herbert Macaulay, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Tafawa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Professor Eyo Ita, Jaja Anucha Wachuku, Pa Michael Imoudu, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Joseph Tarka, Mallam Aminu Kano, Margaret Ekpo, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Hajiya Gambo Sawaba, bag the heroes of the struggle for Nigeria's Independence/pioneer political leaders.
The Queen, Sir Fredrick Lugard, the brain behind the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates of the British Crown to form a new colonial territory and his consort, Flora Louise Shaw, who named the territory "Nigeria," would receive posthumous awards as contributors to the making of Nigeria.
The awards, divided to 13 categories, would be presented to the recipients by President Jonathan in an occasion to be held at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja.
All former heads of states and presidents - General Yakubu Gowon, General Murtala Mohammed, General Olusegun Obasanjo, General Muhammadu Buhari, General Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekan, General Sani Abacha, Alhaji Umaru Yar'Adua, except Alhaji Shehu Shagari and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who bag the promoters of democratic transition in Nigeria award, will be conferred with the outstanding promoters of unity, patriotism and national development award.
Pioneers in professional callings/careers' award goes to Christopher Sapara Williams, Chief Frederick Rotimi Alade Williams, Chief Akintola Williams, Major-General J. T. Aguiyi Ironsi, Vice Admiral Joseph Edet Akinwale Wey, Brigadier General George Kurubo, Louis Orok Edet, Major-General Abdullahi Mohammed, Professor Thomas Adeoye Lambo, Professor Kenneth Dike, Captain Chinyere Kalu, Brigadier-General Oviemo Ovadje and Professor Grace Alele-Williams
Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, Alhaji Alhassan Dantata, Chief Adeola Odutola will receive the pioneers in commerce and industry award.
Others to receive the Promoters of democratic transition in Nigeria award are Chief MKO Abiola and General Shehu Yar'Adua.
Taking the heroes in global sports competitions award are Madam Chioma Ajunwa, Nwankwo Kanu, Richard Ihetu (Dick Tiger), Chief Michael Okpala (Power Mike) and Monday Ochuko Emoghawve.
Accomplished pioneer public servants awardees are Chief Stanley Olabode Wey, Justice Egbert Udo Udoma, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Sir Adetokunbo Adegboyega Ademola, Dr Taslim Oluwale Elias, Dr Rilwan Lukman, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki and Alhaji Aliyu Mai Bornu..
The accomplished contemporary entrepreneurs award will be received by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chief Mike Adenuga and Chief (Dr) Innocent Chukwuma.
Distinguished academics awardees are Professor Kayode Osuntokun, Professor Kelsey Harrison, Professor Chike Obi, Professor Dagogo Fubara, Professor Festus Ade Ajayi, Professor Claude Ake, Professor Babatunde Fafunwa, Professor Godwin Olu Patrick Obasi and Professor Umaru Shehu.
Internationally acclaimed artists, literary icons and journalists award goes to Michael Taiwo Akinkumi, Professor Wole Soyinka, Professor Chinua Achebe, Professor J. P. Clark, Cyprian Odiatu Duaka Ekwensi, Alhaji Abubakar Imam, D. O. Fagunwa, Ernest Sesei Ikoli, Alhaji Babatunde Jose, Kenneth Nnebue, Patience Ozokwor, Alhaji (Dr) Mamman Shata Katsina, Hubert Ogunde, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Stephen Osita Osadebe, (Dr) Ladi Dosei Kwali, Ben Enwonwu, Oludotun Jacobs.
Outstanding contemporary public servants are Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, Professor Akinlawon Ladipo Mabogunje, Dr Barnabas Sanyaolu Oloruntoba, Justice Maryam Aloma Mukhtar.
The outstanding bravery and public spiritedness award will be given to Chief Gani Fawehinmi and Michael Chukwugekwu Ihuka, while the exemplary service in the promotion of peace and moral excellence award goes to Sir Abubakar Sadiq III, Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, Blessed Cyprian Michael Tansi, Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi.
World leaders in Abuja, pledge support for fight against terrorism
World leaders converge on Abuja, on Thursday, to join Nigeria in the celebration of its centenary, taking turns to commiserate with President Goodluck Jonathan and the people of the country over the activities of the insurgents in parts of the North East, particularly the recent massacre of defenceless students in Yobe State.
Speaking at the centenary conference, with the theme: "Human security, peace and development, an agenda for Africa in the 21st Century," they unanimously condemned the insurgents, pointing out that senseless violence had no place in present day Africa.
This came as they pledged their support to Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.
In separate statements at a conference to commemorate Nigeria's Centenary celebration, the world leaders paid glowing tribute to Nigeria for its achievements and contribution to the development of Africa and the world in the last 100 years and stressed the need for the country to remain united.
The president of France, Francois Hollande, was the special guest of honour on the occasion attended by heads of state from Africa and beyond, as well as heads and high representatives of international organisations.
The European Union (EU) president, Mr Jose Manuel Barroso, who said the bloc had contributed $1 billion to support peace and security in Africa, warned that "radicalism and hate" had no place in the society.
He lamented the killing of innocent students in Yobe State, adding that "it was the latest mischief of brutal and unjustifiable attacks by terrorists on innocent civilians."
Barroso also reiterated EU's commitment to share counter-piracy knowledge with African countries, to strengthen their efforts to overcome threats to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
The EU president described Africa as a continent of hope, saying that in 2012 alone, eight out of the world's 10 fastest growing economies were on the continent.
Also speaking, United Kingdom (UK) Minister for Africa, Mr Mark Simmonds, said the British government would "partner Africa in seeking the eradication of violent extremism."
The minister spoke on behalf of Prime Minister David Cameron and brought a message from Queen Elizabeth II.
He said it was the right of Nigeria and African governments to defend their territory and people from terrorism, but called for respect for human rights in doing so.
Simmonds told African leaders attending the Centenary celebration that democracy, prosperity and stability were vital ingredients for peace and development on the continent.
He challenged African leaders to allow their countries "to flourish," noting that the choices they made could determine the fate of over one billion people.
On the 2015 elections in Nigeria, Simmonds said it was an opportunity for the country to serve as a role model to other countries on credible elections and democracy.
"Mr President (Jonathan), you have committed yourself to ensuring that the elections are free and fair.
"I am confident Nigerians will accept nothing less and in doing so, you and your government could be a role model for many other African governments," he said.
Also speaking, French President, Hollande, promised support for Nigeria in the battle against Boko Haram, in defence of democracy.
Hollande, who was the only European president at the conference, said "your struggle is also our struggle.
"We will always stand ready, not only to provide our political support, but also our help every time you need it, because the struggle against terrorism is also the struggle for democracy."
Hollande noted that in spite of the crises on the continent, there was reason for optimism in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
"Africa has a great future. It's the continent of tomorrow," he said.
The French president, however warned, that such promise could be impeded by insecurity, as he pledged that France would double its overseas development's aid to the continent within the next five years.
President Idris Derby of Chad expressed confidence that Nigeria would win the war against terror and violent extremism.
He hinged his optimism on the experience of his country which, he said, confronted extremism some years ago, adding that since 2008, Chad had recorded peace and stability.
Also, President Ellen Sirleaf of Liberia commended efforts by President Jonathan to contain conflicts in the country and the sub-region.
Other presidents who equally spoke at the event included president of Gabon, Ali Ondimba; Malawi, Joyce Banda; Mali, Ibrahim Keita; Mauritania, Mohammed Abdel Aziz; Namibia, Hifike Pohamba; Senegal, Macky Sall and Niger, Issounfou Mohamodou.
The Gambian president steals the show
President Yahyah Jammeh of The Gambia, on Thursday, stole the show at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, venue of the Centenary lecture.
The president delivered a speech at the event which condemned use of religion to perpetrate acts of terror and drew deafening applause as participants interrupted his speech and gave standing ovation throughout the period the speech lasted.
Jammeh argued that since God himself created all human beings, it was not man's duties to dictate to the creator who to allow into His kingdom, neither was it for man to tell who his neighbours would be in heaven.
He maintained that "true Muslims do not kill in the name of religion," adding that "Quran permits Muslims to live in peace with their neighbours, irrespective of what they believe or practice, moreso as it is Allah's duties to judge all mankind."
The president insisted that all religion abhorred the senseless killings being perpetrated by terrorists, while urging dominant religious groups in the country to always shun acts capable of causing conflicts.
According to him, there was the need for Africans to continue to nurture the culture of peaceful coexistence and embark on strides aimed at industrialising the continent, as a way to ensure peace and development.
"We appeal to all Nigerians to reconcile their differences peacefully and maintain Nigeria as a strong and unified power house of black Africa.
"There is no country in the world that is comprised of one region, one religion and one ethnic group. The beauty of Nigeria and any country for that matter lies in her cultural, religious and regional diversities.
"Our diversities should be a source of strength, unity and pride and not division, weakness and violence,'' he said.
The Gambian leader noted that the continent would remain grateful to Nigeria for its leadership role and observed that Nigeria had continued to use its scarce resources to promote peace, development and democracy.
According to him, "Africa and the civilised world will remain grateful to this country (Nigeria) as an indispensable giant in the advancement of our African civilisation."
While delivering his speech at the event, Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, noted that addressing terror in Africa would encompass solving the challenges suffered by Africans.
He observed that failure to address most of the challenges besetting the continent formed what was fuelling the unrest.
Noting that the source of conflicts in the continent derived from inequality, the prime minister observed that the only way to break the vicious cycle was to improve on governance structure.
He called for all-inclusive politics, adding that "Africans are sick of poverty."
Jonathan wants access to neighbouring countries in pursuit of terrorists
President Jonathan, on Thursday, said African leaders must not allow their countries to become safe havens for terrorists and advocated adoption of protocols that allow countries to pursue terrorists into their safe havens in other nations.
President Jonathan told the world leaders, notably his colleagues from Africa, that he believed that in concert with their regional and global partners, they would continue to respond strategically and decisively to the terrorism scourge and, together with citizens, end the killings and bring terrorism to an end.
He told the leaders that there was the need for them to work together across boundaries, not only to coordinate and strengthen defences, but also to address any socio-economic roots on which extreme ideologies throve.
The president maintained that terrorism must be condemned in the strongest possible terms and noted that the leaders must work together to rid the world of haters of peace, who, he observed, used terror to maim, kill, instil fear and deny people their rights to peace and security.
Jonathan told the leaders that he had a heavy heart as he addressed them, following the killings of over 40 students in Yobe and did not mince words in disclosing that Boko Haram insurgency in the country remained one of such condemnable acts of terror.
He, however, insisted that greater regional cooperation in intelligence gathering and control of insurgents would ensure not only Nigeria's security, but also the security of its neighbours.
Jonathan lamented that out of the 500 million illegal small arms and light weapons in the world, an estimated 100 million were in Africa, with 10 per cent in West Africa, mainly in the hands of non-state actors.
Why we rejected award for Gani -Family
Family of the late human rights crusader, Gani Fawehinmi, on Thursday, said it rejected the post-humous award bestowed on the late legal icon because it would not share podium of honour with former military president, General Babangida.
To the family, Babangida was responsible for Gani's death.
In a letter to the government through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim, dated February 27, 2014 and signed by Mohammed Fawehinmi, the family noted that were Gani to be alive, he would have done same.
The letter thanked the government for the honour done to their deceased father.
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