Buhari confers public service awards on Jonathan, 16 govs, ministers, others

President Muhammadu Buhari has conferred Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service (NEAPS) on former President Goodluck Jonathan and 43 other prominent Nigerians.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; and service chiefs were among those honoured with various awards for their services on Friday.

16 state governors including Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Babagana Zulum (Borno), and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) were also honoured by President Buhari.

Some cabinet ministers, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari; and the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mohammed Nami; were also honoured at the event held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

NEAPS was set up to recognise distinguished public service to Nigeria, either contributions to individuals, state or local community, or the public through excellence in leadership, service, or humanitarianism.

To be eligible, the recipient must be a living public official or a private citizen excelling consistently in a given sphere of influence, in good character standing, and must also be at the forefront of service and innovation.

The individual must show an act of public service beyond the acts of their given mandate in endowing their society positively.

The Star

Segun Ojo