Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has called for a total overhaul of Nigeria’s national honours system, insisting that the country must start rewarding productivity, not politics.
Speaking on Tuesday at the public presentation of the book “The Chronicles of a Legend”in honour of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Obi declared that high national honours like GCFR and GCON should be reserved for entrepreneurs and nation builders who have made tangible contributions to Nigeria’s development.
“GCFR and GCON honours should be given to entrepreneurs, not politicians,” Obi said, praising Igbinedion as one of Nigeria’s true unsung heroes.
He criticised what he described as a culture of celebrating political office holders at the expense of those creating jobs, building institutions, and driving real economic impact.
“If this country truly honoured its real builders, this hall wouldn’t be enough to contain the crowd,” he said. “Chief Igbinedion built the first private university in Nigeria. He established one of the first private airlines. He was one of the first Nigerians to be granted a private banking license. Who from the Ministry of Education or Transport is here today to recognise that?”
Obi lamented that in a country with over 120 million productive-age citizens, less than 1,000 functional industries exist — a stark contrast to the potential Nigeria could achieve if it had more entrepreneurs like Igbinedion.
“He once employed over 17,000 Nigerians. If we had 8,000 people like him, unemployment would be a thing of the past,” he said.
Obi urged the government to start honouring individuals who contribute directly to economic growth, education, and innovation. He stressed that Nigeria must stop glorifying political titles and start recognising value creators.
“Now that we have the opportunity, we have to change the way we honour people,” Obi added. “Let us start giving our highest national honours to those who build the country, not those who merely occupy political positions.”
Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion
He also pledged to support an annual educational endowment in honour of Chief Igbinedion, saying his legacy must continue to inspire future generations.
“Endowment is not a one-time thing,” he said. “For the next ten years, I will continue to contribute. Chief Igbinedion’s work must be preserved.”
The book “The Chronicles of a Legend” details the life and contributions of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion — a business mogul, philanthropist, and founder of Nigeria’s first private university, Igbinedion University, Okada. The event drew dignitaries from across the country, including former presidents, governors, and captains of industry.
