Late Super Eagles striker, Rashidi Yekini; late world heavyweight wrestling champion, Mike Okpala, a.k.a Power Mike; and Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medal winner, Chioma Ajunwa, were among distinguished Nigerians honoured on Tuesday by the Federal Government through the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Designated streets in the FCT were named after them for the sterling part they played in bringing honour to their fatherland through sports.
Also on the honours list of 182 Nigerians are Daniel Amokachi; ace boxing legend and first Nigerian to win world boxing title, Dick Tiger Ihetu; and host of others.
They had streets named after them at Wupa District of the FCT.
Yekini was honoured for being the first Nigerian player to score a FIFA World Cup goal, while his compatriot and former Super Eagles assistant coach, Daniel Amokachi, was recognised for being the youngest Nigerian player to feature at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Minister of the FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, disclosed that the major streets in Asokoro Extension, Guzape, Wupa, Wuye and Maitama Extension districts as well as expressways and roads would be renamed in honour of President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President Chuba Okadigbo, former Speaker of House of Representatives and Katsina State Governor-elect Aminu Bello Masari, former Chief Justice of the Federation Justice Dahiru Musdapha, eminent businessmen Femi Otedola and Aliko Dangote among several others.
The Media Assistant to Mohammed, Nosike Ogbuenyi, in a statement disclosed that the soon-to-be commissioned Inner Southern Expressway, which dissects Abuja City Centre, was named after President Jonathan, while the longest Wuye district boulevard expressroad was named after Atiku Abubakar.
Another major road in the same district was named after Vice President Sambo.
Explaining the rationale behind the naming, the Coordinator of Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Reuben Okoya, said: “Street naming in FCT is done in accordance with standing guidelines, principles and criteria that ensure the promotion of national unity.”
Okoya maintained that implementation of street naming in Wupa District is based on recognition of contributors to national development in various fields such as business, culture, philanthropy, sports and industry.
