By Ummaima Yakubu
A coalition of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) has asked the federal government to review its list of nominees for the 2020/2021 national honours recently released to accommodate some philanthropists whose names are not on the list.
The group, under the name, West -Side NGOs, said the national merit awards were honour that spurred many to do good works and should be based on merit, especially for those who had distinguished themselves in contributing to the country.
Briefing journalists in Abuja at the weekend, Dr Caroline Adaji of IBCA Clinic Concepts, said the current list in circulation didn’t contain names of some respectable persons who had and were contributing for the well-being of Nigerians and the country at large.
She said that the process was tainted by discrimination and omission of names of notable Nigerians who had made immense philanthropic contributions and clearly demonstrated high level of patriotism.
Mr Ben Ato of EKA Nigeria Limited wondered why the name of someone like Ambassador Fatima Mohammed Goni was not conspicuous on the list.
He said, “We are not emphasising on Ambassador Fatima Goni as a person, nor are we talking of so many other Nigerians out there whose chances of being recognised have been hijacked by political cronies, religious and ethnic allies.”
Similarly, the President of Charitable Hearts, Dr Caroline Adams, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the appointment of the patriots.
She said, “What we are seeing today is a kind of jamboree short of the real national merit award we used to know. What about the posthumous award? We did not see names of activists who fought for the democracy we are enjoying today. People like the Odumakins, the Chima Ubanis and Gani Fawehimis of this world, to mention but a few.
