The selection procedure for national honors in Nigeria has remained the subject of criticism, particularly from the entertainment sector.
The choice of award recipients in the entertainment sector seems to be the most contentious, particularly the most recent one, which was made on May 28, 2023, by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The National Honours Act No. 5 of 1964, which was established during the first republic to honor Nigerians and friends of the country who have contributed to the welfare of the country, serves as the legal foundation for the National Honours.
The National Honours Act stipulates that nominees must have accomplished something for which the nation can be proud in order to be chosen. The honor serves as compensation for unselfish acts of service, such as inventions, successful completion of a significant task, dedication to the nation, and patriotism.
Given these details, the general public is in a position to evaluate the nominations for the awards to determine the worthiness of the recipients.
Nigerians have voiced their discontent with several people and celebrities who received honors during the administrations of former presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.
Remember how Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde (MFR), Kanayo O. Kanayo (MFR), Genevieve Nnaji (MFR), Osita Iheme (MFR), Pete Edochie (MON), etc. were honored by the previous president Goodluck Jonathan in 2014?
Innocent Idibia, aka 2Baba, and singer Teni both received a Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) from the Buhari administration in 2022.
Among the other 449 Nigerians honored, singer Damini Ogulu, also known as Burna Boy, earned a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) award, while Wasiu Ayinde, also known as K1 de Ultimate, received a Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) award.
In a recent development, DAILY POST recalls that on Sunday, May 28, 2023, former president Muhammadu Buhari listed 337 Nigerians to be conferred with honorary degrees, including singer Davido, comedian AY, actor Kunle Afolayan, Super Eagles and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, and other celebrities.
Singer Seun Kuti, the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti, criticized the national honors on his Instagram page on Monday, writing, “Next 31/2 years now we start the same dance again.” What do you believe in?
“I’ll say it again: The national award is not determined by public opinion surveys. The presidential committee makes the recommendation, after which the president will approve some candidates’ nominations. It is a presidential appointment even though it is a national honor.
“Half of them who call this administration the worst thing ever deh go accept Abuja honors from the same administration? Nobody will object on moral grounds, right? Or is Buhari legitimate now?
The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, ASSPT, Dr. Sam Amadi, responded to this in an interview with the Daily Post by saying that many people did not perceive entertainment as being as dignified as politics or other professions.
“Due to the nature of their work and personalities, entertainers on such lists are prone to spark controversy.
Many individuals believe that entertainment is not as respectable as politics or other occupations. Therefore, whenever entertainers are nominated for such an honor, this thinking causes controversy or public outcry.
But I believe that this impression is incorrect. “Entertainers should be held in high regard like other accomplished people because entertainment is a serious business and craft,” he remarked.
When asked about the selection criterion for recipients of national honors, he responded, “We should employ the same criteria of national significance.
“A national honor is not a gauge of how successful or well-liked you are. It ought to gauge the contribution you have made to society.
“More than merely having money or succeeding personally, you must have accomplished something spectacular. It involves promoting public benefits in many ways, particularly in a way that enhances the prestige and image of the nation.
Remi Adebayo, a public interest pundit, asserted that because entertainers have such a strong effect over their audience and should be given national recognition for their teachings of peace, unity, and patriotism.
The majority of performers impact society more than politicians, priests, or even other facets of Nigerian society, you can bank on it.
“There are undoubtedly some among them whose identity and image conflict with societal norms.
The National Merit Awards, as their name implies, “just like every other industry, must have merit at its benchmark,” he stated.
Famous music producer Esosa Douglas Osemwengie, better known by his stage name Sossick, also commented on the development, saying that “we are entertainers but governed by our individual principle.”
“Therefore, the one thing we all have in common is our enjoyment of amusement. It is absolutely up to each individual to decide whether they should accept an award based on their personal convictions.
