Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for an overhaul of Nigeria’s national honours system, demanding that the country prioritize recognition of entrepreneurs and nation builders over politicians.
Speaking at the launch of “The Chronicles of a Legend” a biography highlighting the life and career of business tycoon and philanthropist Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion Obi insisted that prestigious awards such as Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) should be reserved for those whose achievements have tangibly shaped Nigeria’s progress.
“GCFR and GCON honours should be given to entrepreneurs and productive people, not politicians… We need to change the way we honour people,” Obi asserted in Abuja, lamenting that Nigeria too often “celebrates people who are supposed not to be celebrated.” He continued, “If we truly celebrated merit, today’s honour for Igbinedion would have been even greater”.
Obi praised Igbinedion’s massive impact across aviation, education, job creation, and cultural heritage, highlighting that the business magnate has employed over 17,000 Nigerians and built the country’s first private university, among other landmark achievements. “If we were truly a productive nation, more than 20 million Nigerians would have decent jobs, following the lead set by innovators like Igbinedion,” Obi argued.
The event, attended by dignitaries including President Bola Tinubu and other prominent Nigerians, spotlighted Igbinedion’s journey from humble beginnings in Okada, Edo State, to becoming a towering figure in entrepreneurship, education, and philanthropy founding Okada Airline, Igbinedion University, and numerous other ventures that have transformed sectors and communities nationwide.
Peter Obi reiterated that Nigeria must begin to reward productivity, innovation, and public service if it wishes to promote genuine national development. He urged governments to look beyond politics when conferring national honours making the case that visionaries like Gabriel Igbinedion, who have impacted millions, deserve the nation’s highest recognition
