Beyond the Medals: The Hidden Truth About Nigeria’s National Honours and How Ordinary Nigerians Can Earn Them
I remember the day I first heard the letters “GCFR.” It was during a news broadcast, where the President was decorating dignitaries with grand titles.
“Grand Commander of the Federal Republic,” the announcer said with a proud voice, as cameras flashed over the elegant hall.
My mind raced with questions:
Why do they keep giving these awards to politicians and big men? Is there money attached? Why honour people who are already powerful—or even dead? Could someone like me, living a simple life, ever hope to receive such an award?
If you’ve ever wondered the same, you’re not alone. I decided to dig deep into the world of Nigeria’s National Honours—and discovered fascinating truths, political secrets, and even pathways for everyday Nigerians to join the ranks of national heroes.
What Are Nigeria’s National Honours?
Nigeria’s national honours are the country’s highest official awards, meant to recognize people who have made outstanding contributions to the nation.
If you enjoy learning about government and society, check out our News section for more insights.
Those mysterious letters stand for:
- GCFR – Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic
- GCON – Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger
- CFR – Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic
- CON – Commander of the Order of the Niger
- OFR – Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic
- OON – Officer of the Order of the Niger
- MFR – Member of the Order of the Federal Republic
- MON – Member of the Order of the Niger
The Secret Political Side of National Honours
Let’s be real: national honours are not always purely about merit. To read more about how politics shapes our nation, visit our News section.
Heroes Beyond Politics: Genuine Awardees
Many ordinary Nigerians, far removed from politics, have received national honours purely on merit. Here are inspiring examples:
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (OFR)
Nigeria’s literary queen, whose books have traveled the world and put Nigeria on the global cultural map. Explore more inspiring stories in our Story category.
Innocent Chukwuma (CON)
Founder of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, the first indigenous Nigerian car brand. Honoured for innovation and job creation.
Blessing Okagbare (MON)
Athlete and national pride. Her medals and records in track and field earned her national recognition.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (GCON)
Economist and global figure, honoured for economic reforms and her role as Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
Is There Money Attached to National Honours?
One of the biggest misconceptions I used to have was:
If someone gets GCFR or CON, they must collect millions of naira.
Let me tell you the truth: No direct financial reward comes with national honours.
Why Honour People After Death?
One question always puzzled me:
Why honour people like Abiola after they’re gone? What’s the point if they’re no longer alive?
It turns out, posthumous honours serve deep national purposes. To explore Nigeria’s history and heroes, browse our Stories section.
When Are National Honours Awarded?
They’re usually tied to Nigeria’s Independence Day season in October, though there’s no fixed law that demands it must happen then.
Can Someone Like Me Earn a National Honour?
I run a blog and a computer training centre. Over time, I began thinking:
Could I make enough impact in these areas to one day earn a national honour?
Path 1: Digital Education and IT Training
Imagine running a computer training institute that:
- Trains thousands of Nigerian youths in coding, digital marketing, and tech skills
- Offers free training for underprivileged communities
- Partners with government or NGOs to scale nationwide programmes
Such visible impact in tech and youth empowerment could easily catch the attention of professional bodies and government agencies. Read more about educational opportunities in our Education section.
Path 2: Blogging and Online Media
Suppose your blog:
- Becomes a trusted hub for admission updates, health awareness, and youth empowerment
- Combats misinformation online
- Launches campaigns on mental health, drug abuse prevention, or digital literacy
That’s significant national service worthy of recognition in media and public enlightenment. Explore our Health section for more awareness articles.
Path 3: Humanitarian Service
Outside business or blogging, anyone can:
- Build boreholes in rural communities
- Sponsor school fees for hundreds of kids
- Provide free medical services
- Train jobless youths in practical skills
This is the heart of community service—a major path to national honours.
How Does One Get Nominated?
A screening committee reviews nominations, then the President approves the final list. Check out our News section for government updates that may relate to national honours.
How to Increase Your Chances
- Serve Beyond Yourself: Solve a national or community problem. Help people at scale, not just a few individuals.
- Document Your Impact: Keep records, photos, and testimonials. Publish your story online or in the media.
- Join Professional Associations: Many honours come through recommendations by professional bodies.
Is It Worth It?
The honest truth:
- Financially? No, there’s no direct cash benefit.
- Socially and professionally? Absolutely yes. The doors that open, the respect you earn, and the legacy you leave make it worthwhile.
Conclusion: The Legacy Beyond Politics
So yes, Nigeria’s national honours can sometimes be political—but they also represent something pure:
A nation’s gratitude for those who dedicate themselves to making life better for others.
The medals may not come with money, but they carry something far more precious: the recognition that you’ve made a mark on history.
And who knows? Perhaps one day, someone reading this post—maybe you—will stand proudly in that hall as the President pins a medal on your chest, and your name joins Nigeria’s roll call of heroes.
Call to Action
So I leave you with this question:
If you could make one big change in Nigeria that would help thousands of people, what would it be?
Start there—and your journey toward national honour may already be underway. Explore more inspiring stories and practical guides in our Story section.