Seven celebrities listed for 2023 National Awards

Singers Davido and Tiwa Savage as well as footballer Victor Osimhen are among celebrities to join the growing list of those conferred with national honours.

The national honors are decorations given each year for exceptional accomplishments to Nigerians and allies of the country.

To honour Nigerians who have made outstanding contributions to the nation, the National Honours Act No. 5 of 1964 established the recognition.

Among the list are the following celebrities to be officially conferred with national honours on Thursday:

Davido

Born David Adeleke, the Afrobeats maestro, well-known for his contribution to the growth of the music genre globally and for his slogan, ‘We Rise By Lifting Others’ will be awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

Excited about the news, the ‘Timeless’ hitmaker took to his Twitter handle to share the same.

“David Adeleke OON”, tweeted the DMW boss, accompanied by an emoji of the country’s flag.

Tiwa Savage

Born Tiwatope Savage, the singer who recently sealed her position as the ‘Queen of Afrobeats’ and made history with her mesmerising performance at the coronation concert of King Charles III was listed to be conferred with Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).


Albeit, the ‘African Number 1 Bhad Gyal’ is yet to make a statement about it on any of her social media handles.

Kunle Afolayan

Multiple award-winning filmmaker and actor, Kunle Afolayan well-known for several high grossing movies including Aníkúlápó, an epic Nigerian fantasy released in September 2022, described as the recreation of ‘Game of Thrones’ in Nigeria but with a better representation of our culture which became the number 1 most-watched non-English Netflix original film after just 11 days of its release will also be honoured with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

Afolayan acknowledging the honour in a video shared on his Instagram page, stated: “I want to say, ‘Thank you’ to the Federal government for honouring me with the OON merit award. I really appreciate. I’m a Nigerian and believe so much in this country. God bless Nigeria!

“Thank you to Federal Republic of Nigeria for the honour. Ogbeni Adekunle Ayodeji Akande Afolayan (OON) #nationalmeritaward.

AY Comedian

Famous multi-award-winning entertainer and Guinness World record holder, Ayodeji Richard Makun, aka AY also made the list of special honour awardees.

The UN Peace Ambassador whose movie, ‘30 Days in Atlanta’, a romantic comedy film was identified by the Guinness World Record for its high domestic gross earnings will join others to be conferred with Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

Sharing the news as he reintroduces himself in a tweet, the 51-year-old multi-media personality wrote: “Barely a week ago I was awarded The Most Outstanding Comedy Personality of A Decade. Yesterday, I woke up to a message from my manager, informing me about being listed amongst notable Nigerians to receive a national honour.

“Just when I was taking it to be another award to join the ones on my shelf, I was told that National Honours are the highest honours or awards that a citizen can receive from his or her country for their contribution to national development.

“The honours are as follows in descending order of importance: ORDER OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) ORDER OF THE NIGER Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).

“I am indeed happy to be listed amongst individuals adding value to the country in all spheres of human endeavour. Not everyone gets to enjoy that special grace that brings me nothing short of consistent favour against all odds. At this point permit me to reintroduce myself, I am Dr Richard Ayodeji Makun (MFR).”

Jay-Jay Okocha

Augustine Azuka Okocha, commonly known as Jay-Jay Okocha, played as an attacking midfielder widely considered by certain pundits internationally as the best Nigerian footballer ever, and as one of the best African players of all time was listed to be awarded the Officer Of The Order of The Niger (OON).

Victor Osimhen

The Super Eagles and Napoli striker is known for his elite finishing, pace, strength and athleticism made the list of outstanding Nigerians to be accorded national award.

Victor Osimhen on May 28, moved a step closer to becoming the first African to be crowned Goal King in Serie A after he netted his 25th goal for Napoli.

He scored a brace in a 2-2 draw at Bologna to remain the leading scorer in the Italian top league.

His goals came on a day he was announced as one of the 340 to be conferred with a national honour by the Nigerian Government.

Remarking on the special recognition to be awarded the Member of the Order of the Niger (MFR) in a lengthy tweet, Osimhen said: “Today, I feel so blessed and grateful as I announce that I have been awarded the prestigious Member of the order of the Federal Republic (MFR) award by the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Today also marked my 100th game for Napoli and I was fortunate to score 2 goals for my club, it is an amazing moment and feeling for me to be able to achieve this feat for this great club.

“This MFR recognition also means a lot to me, as it symbolizes the appreciation and support of the great Nigerian people for the dedication and hard work they have always put into their individual career to make Nigeria Proud.

“My deepest gratitude goes to the Federal Republic of Nigeria for recognising me at such a national level, and I am so humbled and grateful. I am proud to be a Nigerian and represent Her.

“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for their continuous efforts in promoting and developing sports in our country. Their support has contributed to the growth of myself and every other athletes in the country.

“To my amazing family, who have been my rock and source of inspiration throughout my journey, I am forever indebted to your love and support. I love you all and this award is as much yours as it is mine.

“And to my fans and supporters, both in Nigeria and around the world, you all are super amazing and I am so grateful for all you do for me. Your constant support, well wishes and cheers have uplifted me in moments of triumph and provided solace during challenging times.

“I am immensely honored to achieve this feat for Napoli and I’m also honored to receive this MFR award, and I consider it a responsibility to continue striving for excellence, more records and making meaningful contributions to people’s live with the sport I love. Thank you everyone. GOD IS THE GREATEST.”

Charles Okpaleke

Movie producer Charles Okpaleke, popularly known as Charles of Play whose debut film, ‘Living In Bondage: Breaking Free’ won seven awards at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2020, including the Best Movie (West Africa) and Best Overall Movie categories, is also was among those to be awarded the Officer Of The Order of The Niger (OON).

Sharing the good news on his page, Charles wrote: “Grateful and proud as I am, I know my father is even more proud.

“I just turned 40, so to be conferred with this title at this age (one of the youngest ever) makes me feel very encouraged. It has been dedication and resilience all the way, even on the most difficult days, and so on a day like this where I get recognised by my country, a country that I love so much, a country that I have given so much of myself to, and one that has given me so much in return, just feels very encouraging.

“Thank you all for your love and support through the years. We are only just getting started by the special grace of God! Slide left, your guy is number 9!!

“Education, Health, Entertainment, Filmmaking, Agriculture, Gaming, Hospitality, Automobile, Philanthropy etc.. And We Just Getting Started!!!!!