THREE eminent Nigerians were yesterday conferred with the 2009 Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) awards by President Goodluck Jonathan.
They are Prof Ladipo Ayo Banjo, an educationist and linguist; Prof Aderemi Kuku, an international scholar and mathematician and 80-year-old creative artist and author, Mrs Mabel Dorothy Segun.
Prof. Kuku represents the Sciences, Prof. Banjo and Mrs Segun are from the Humanities.
President Jonathan said the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, has been directed to study the recommendations from this year's award winners' lecture for possible adoption as part of government policies.
He assured the award winners that the recommendations would be deliberated upon by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The President praised them and the board of the NNOM for the excellence they have exhibited as "these qualities have made the award not only controversy-free but one of the few enduring legacies of the nation that is held in high regard and actively sought by the nation's most creative sons and daughters."
Dr Jonathan assured the board of government's support for innovative approach to re-establish the nation's research and development capability.
President honours dons with National Merit awards (http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/news/20643.html)