President Goodluck Jonathan Monday surprised the nation when he named the designer of the Nigerian flag, Michael Akinwumi, a Special Assistant for life.
By that presidential pronouncement Mr. Akinwumi, 78, who designed the national flag in 1959 and a retired civil servant will draw salary from the Federal Government’s purse for life.
The colourful event was held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
The President made the announcement during the conferment of National Award of the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) on Mr. Akinwumi and 312 other eminent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves i their chosen field, carer or in the community.
In this year’s awards, no Nigerian got the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
The highest award this year is Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR, which was conferred on 25 persons including the Service Chiefs and Justices.
In the category of the Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON, 60 were decorated including eight governors and nine ministers.
Other categories of the National Awards are: Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON, Member of the Federal Republic, MFR, Member of the Order of the Niger, MON as well as First and Second Class Medals.
President Jonathan also honoured a traffic warden, taxi driver, Imeh Usuah, 66, who returned N18 million forgotten in his car as well as a presidential steward.
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