Two Akwa Ibom icons were among those honoured during Nigeria’s Centenary Celebration Award which took place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
They are the Late Prof. Eyo Ita and the Late Sir Egbert Udoudoma.
Sir Egbert Udoudoma, an indigene of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area received the Post Humous award in the Accomplished Pioneer Public Servant’s Category.
He spent 13 years as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and 6 years as Chief Justice of Uganda.
Prof. Eyo Ita, an Indigene of Ibeno Local Government Area also received a Post Humous Award under the Heroes for the Struggle for Independence and Pioneer Political Leaders Category.
The Late Prof. Eyo Ita was the first Nigerian Professor who was the Pioneer Champion of Youth Movement in Nigeria for Independence, first Premier of the Former Eastern Region of Nigeria and a member of the Nigerian Team that negotiated Nigeria’s Independence in Britain.
Seven former Nigerian Heads of State and Presidents who are alive namely, General Yakubu Gowon, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, General Mohamedu Buhari, General Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekon and General Abdul Salami Abubakar were decorated by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Post Humous awards were also received by wives and children of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, General Aguyi Ironsi, General Murutala Mohammed, General Sani Abacha, Alhaji Musa Yar’adua and the winner of the June 1993 general elections, the Late Chief Moshed Abiola.
The 100 recipients of the centenary awards which were presented in 13 categories included the Queen of England, Lord Fredrick Luggard and his wife Lady Luggard for her contributions to the making of Nigeria