The recognition was established under the National Honors Act No. 5 of 1964 to recognize Nigerians who have contributed to the good of the country.
There are artists who can boast of having been awarded 5,341 distinguished National Honors since 1964, which are the highest honors or decorations with which a citizen can be honored in the service of his country.
Here is a list of 21 artists with the National Honor Award:
Popular singer Teniola Apata, also known as Teni, was added to the list on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, when President Muhammadu Buhari made her a member of the Order.
Also on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, Damini Ogulu, alias Burna Boy, was awarded the honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as KWAM 1, was awarded the title of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, October 11, 2022.
On Tuesday, October 11, 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari also presented Innocent Idibia, better known by his stage name as 2Baba, with the honor of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
5. Emeka Rollas Ejezie (MON)
On Tuesday, October 11, 2022, Emeka Rollas Ejezie, actor and president of the Screen Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), received national honors at the rank of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
6. Mosunmola Abudu (Mo Abudu) (OON)
EbonyLife Films CEO Mo Abudu was also awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) honor on Tuesday, October 11, 2022.
7. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde (MFR)
Popular actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde was awarded the honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014 in recognition of her achievements in the Nigerian film industry.
Actor Joke Silva was also honored in 2014 when former President Goodluck Jonathan made her a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Still in 2014, Kenneth Nnebue, known for his film living in slavery, he also received the honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
10. Kanayo O. Kanayo (MFR)
Actor Kanayo O. Kanayo was decorated with the national honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), in 2014
11. Geneviève Nnaji (MFR)
In 2011, director and actress Genevieve Nnaji was awarded the honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in recognition of her work in Nollywood.
In 2011, the experienced Nollywood artist Olu Jacobs was also awarded the honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
13. Osita Iheme (Pawpaw) (MFR)
Former President Goodluck Jonathan granted Osita Iheme, often referred to as Pawpaw, membership in the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
14. Patience Ozokwor (MFR)
In 2011, the list of artists with the award was expanded when Patience Ozokwor received the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) award.
15. Stephanie Linus-Idahosa (MFR)
Stephanie Linus-Idahosa joined the list of artists with distinction when she received a national honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
16. Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) (MFR)
Chinedu Ikedieze, often known as Aki, received the honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2010, before his on-screen brother Osita Iheme received the honor in 2011.
In 2006, actress Taiwo Ajai-Lycett was awarded the title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker and producer Lere Paimo was awarded the Order of the Federal Republic honor in 2005.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo awarded Pete Edochie the title of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) in 2003.
Victor Abimbola Olaiya was a Nigerian trumpeter and musician who was popular for his highlife music. He was awarded the honorary Order of Niger.
Victor was a writer, musician and visual artist. In 1983, the Nigerian Federal Government honored him with a National Award of Merit. He was the first artist to receive the award.
