Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, and his civilian counterpart, former President Goodluck Jonathan, were among prominent Nigerians conferred with the prestigious National Peace Award 2022.

Also honoured with the award were the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN); President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Maikyua (SAN), and Chief Paul-Harris Ogbole (SAN).

Other eminent Nigerians, who were equally conferred with the award include Bishop Matthew Kukah; Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion; HRM Eze Williams Ezugwu Eze Ogbozara III of Opi Kingdom, Nsuka; and former President of Ghana, Dr. John Mahama.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Ramatu Tijjani; wife of the Chief of Army Staff, Mrs. Salamatu Yahaya, were among other Nigerians conferred with the award.

The media sector got two awards through the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Chris Isiguzo; and the Chairman of its FCT chapter, Emmanuel Ogbeche.

In his acceptance speech, Mahama emphasised the need for peace to reign as a catalyst for economic and political development.

The former Ghanaian President, who was represented by Dr. Hanna Bishaw, the Women Organising Leader of the NDC of Ghana and President of ECOWAS Forum of Political Parties, said Nigerians needed peace to collectively catapult the country to greater height.

The National President of National Peace Award, Dr. Suleiman Adejoh, congratulated the awardees and urged fellow Nigerians to be committed in their various endeavours.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Peace Award is yearly bestowed on outstanding Nigerians from various walks of life for their contributions towards instilling sustainable peace and development in the nation.

PUNCH