Jonathan to Nigerians: I am sorry if you are not recognized at centenary

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday night presented centenary awards to 100 Nigerians and friends of Nigeria, who have distinguished themselves in various fields and contributed to nation building.
However, Jonathan apologized to Nigerians who deserved to be recognized but were not be included in the list of the 100 personalities, dead or alive, saying it was not easy to pick 100 out of more than 500 Nigerians that deserved the centenary awards.
He said: “I apologize to Nigerians who deserved to be recognized but not selected. It is very difficult to select 100 people because more than 500 people are qualified to be recognized.”
He promised that his government would be using every opportunity available to recognize Nigerians who have made immense contributions to nation building in their fields of endeavours.
Interestingly, all the former Heads of State were present and personally received their awards from President Jonathan at a very colourful ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.
In attendance were First Lady, Patience Jonathan; Vice President Namadi Sambo and his wife, Amina; President Joyce Banda of Malawi; her Sierra Leonean counterpart; as well as the Vice President of Kenya.
The former Nigerian leaders present were General Yakubu Gowon, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, General Muhammadu Buhari, General Ibrahim Babangida and Chief Earnest ShOnekan, former Vice President Alex Ekwueme and General Oladipo Diya.
Also present were Senate President, David Mark; Speaker Aminu Tambuwal; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mariam Aloma-Mukhtar; state governors; member of the Diplomatic Corps; and top government functionaries.
The Centenary awards were presented in the categories of Governance; Politics and Leadership; Entrepreneur and Endeavour; as well as Personal Sacrifices, Patriotism and Activism.
Those who received posthumous centenary awards were represented by their children, grandchildren or close relatives.
The posthumous award recipients were Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, General Johnson Aguyi Ironsi, General Murtala Mohammed, General Sani Abacha, Mallam Aminu Kano, Hajia Gambo Sawaba, Dr. Harbert Macauley, Chief Jaja Nwajukwu, Aare Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola, President Umaru Yar’Adua, Chief Margareth Ekpo, among others.
Professor Wole Soyinka did not show up to receive his award while representatives of late Gani Fawehinmi and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti were also absent.
The Soyinka and the families of Fawehinmi and Anikulapo-Kuti had announced their decisions to turn the honour.