President Goodluck Jonathan sprang surprises yesterday at the International Conference Center, Abuja while giving out national honours and awards to the 313 who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavours.

In addition to giving the designer of the national flag, Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) honour, Jonathan gave him automatic employment as a Special Adviser to the President for the rest of his life.

In the same vein, a taxi driver, Mr Ime Isua, who returned the sum of N8 million forgotten in his vehicle, as well as the longest serving steward in the Presidential Villa, Mr. Michael Onuh, were rewarded with a housing accommodation in the Federal Capital Territory.

The long list of award recipients was dominated by known names in politics, security issues, sports, entertainment, business and the corporate world.

It also features names that are not very popular but whose lives are nevertheless worthy of emulation.

From the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, CFR to the CON, which went to about 60 of the distinguished Nigerians, there was no dull moment, President Jonathan ensured that the investiture on them was well administered in the various categories.

Over 62 persons bagged the Officer of the Federal Republic, some of them distinguished lawyers and technocrats, including the man who designed the national flag, Pa Micheal Taiwo Akinkunmi.

Another 63 bagged the OON. They range from Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, civil servants, academics, and businessmen, while 50 Members of the Order of the Federal Republic collected their honours awards.

Yesterday’s investiture brought to 4,737, the total number of the national honours so far conferred on individuals since its inception in 1963.

24 persons bagged the prestigious Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) award. They are the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah, the chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Usman Jubrin, Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal Adesola Amosu, the acting IGP Sulieman Abba, National security Adviser Colonel Sambo Dasuki (RTD), Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Ayo Oke, the head of Service of the federation Danladi Kifasi, Chief Philip Asiodu and the chief of Staff to the President, Brigadier General Jones Arogbofa.

Those who also received the CFR are Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Jimoh Ibrahim, Oludolapo Akinkugbe, former Head of Service Bukar Aji, five Justices of the Supreme Court, Justice Bolarinwa Babalakin and Justice Abubakar Bashir Wali, both retired Supreme Court justices.

President Jonathan also presented awards to 59 people in the category of the Commander of the Niger (CON) including the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) John Odigie Oyegun, Olorogun Felix Ibru, PDP Governorship candidate in the Osun state Iyiola Omisore, eight serving Governors including Olusegun Mimiko, 8 serving Ministers and 7 State Chief Judges. The State Chiefs Judges are the grand Khadi of Sokoto state Abdulkadir Tambuwal, former Governors Ibrahim Idris and Peter Odili.

The award of Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) category, was conferred on the Deputy Governor of Kano state Abdullahi Ganduje, Permanent Secretary in the foreign Affairs Ministry Martin Uhomoibhi with 4 Secretary to States governments. This category also include the Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Victor Umeh, Managing Director of Diamond Bank Alex Otti, Director General National Orientation Agency (NOA) Mike Omeiri, the Auditor General of the Federation Samuel Ukura, Accountant general of the Federation Johan Otunla, Valerie Azinge, the Secretary of the 2014 National Conference, Comptroller general of immigration Service David Parradang and Sani Sidi of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

In the category of the Order Of the Niger (OON), 7 immediate past Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) led by Suleiman Fakai received the award, as well as the State House Counsel Jalal Arabi, former Provost of the Nigerian Army, Major General Felix Iorshase, the former Head of Service in Lagos state Akinsanya Ajose and Folusho olaniyan, the Managing Director of UTC Nigeria Limited.

Others are: Ben Murray Bruce, Steve Omojafor, chairman of Zenith bank, Chukwuemeka Onwuka chairman of Enterprise Bank, a diplomat Ambassador Bina Citip Selchum, the Chief Coach of the National Under 17 football team Manu Garba, his Female under 20 counter-part Peter Dedevbo and Stella Ugboma a former FIDA president.

53 got awaed of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) category, Mrs. Maiden Ibru, publisher of the Guardian is on the list along with veteran Journalist Moji Makanjuola, the National President of National Council of Women Society Nkechi Mba, the chief catering officer in the state house Katherine Adamu, two Directors of the Directorate of State Services (DSS), Sprinter Blessing Okagbare, Imeh Usuah a Taxi Driver, activist Joe Okei-Odumakin and two Coaches of the national Under 17 National male football team, the captain of the under 20 Female football team, Patience Okaeme, actresses Joke Silva Jacobs and Omotola Ekeinde. None of the awardees made the highest honours of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and the Grand Commnder of the Order of the Niger (GCON) this year.

•Pieced together from reports in Channels TV and Nigerian Pilot. Photo shows, L-R: Faithful Steward Mr. Onuh who has been serving at the State House since Shehu Shagari administration, Faithful Taxi Driver Ime Isua who returned 18 Million Naira a passenger left in his cab, Faithful Traffic Warden Solomon Dauda who loves his Job and goes about it diligently were recipients of the National Honours Award (MON Medal Category) yesterday.