The immediate past Acting National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje; a Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sarah Alade ,the Nigerian Ambassador to The Netherlands, Dr. (Mrs.) Nimota Nihinlola Akanbi, and former Managing Director of old Intercontinental Bank, Alhaji Mahmoud Olayiwola Alabi, from Kwara State are among the 149 eminent Nigerians to be conferred with national merit awards in Abuja today.

The Chairman of Globacom, a telecommunication giant, Otunba Mike Adenuga tops the list with the award of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). He is the only recipient of this highest honour this year.

According to a statement by the Permanent Secretary (Special Duties), Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr. Henry Akpan, the conferment of the award, which is billed for the International Conference Centre, Abuja, will be conferred by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

Adenuga would be the second businessman to bag the GCON award, the second highest national award in Nigeria, after Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who was so honoured last year.

Analysis of the 149 awardees showed that 11 will receive Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) award, 25 will receive the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) award, 38 will receive the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON); 38 will receive the Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) award; while 12 will receive the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) award.

Some of the prominent names on the list include Justice Mary Odili (CFR), a Supreme Court Judge; Inspector General of Police, M. D. Abubakar (CFR); retired Supreme Court Justices Kayode Eso and Andrews Otutu Obaseki (CFR); Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson and Chief Gabriel Igbinedion (CFR).