Abuja — Prominent Nigerians were yesterday honoured with different categories of national awards by President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, and called on Nigerians to partner with government in its efforts to regenerate nationalism.

Speaking at the 2007 National Awards ceremony in Abuja, Yar'Adua said the 212 recipients of the various awards earned them through patriotism.

He challenged other Nigerians to emulate the respected recipients in their various endeavours through hard work, honesty, steadfastness and patriotism.

The president also called on the recipients to see the award as a challenge to greater commitment to Nigeria.

"Other Nigerians look up to you and you have to live up to their high expectations," he said.

Senate President David Mark was honoured with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) while the Speaker of House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole received the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) award.

Also given the award of GCON was the chief justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Kutigi, while 14 other prominent Nigerians received the CFR honour.

Among them were the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, retired permanent secretary Allison Ayida; secretary to the government of the federation, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, and head of service, Mrs. Ebele Okeke.

Also in the category were inspector-general of police Mike Okiro; chief of army staff, Lt.Gen Luka Yusuf; Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu, former secretary to the federal government, Alhaji Aminu Saleh, and frontline politician, Chief Olu Falae.

Presenting the recipients to the president earlier, the minister of special duties, Mr Godwin Peter Orubebe, said they were selected on the basis of their enviable achievements.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the awards brings the total number of recipients of the various awards to 3,448 since its inception in 1966.

Important dignitaries, including former President Shehu Shagari, former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, and others attended the ceremony.

Meanwhile, President Yar'Adua yesterday in Abuja said that government would empower the youths of Nigeria to enhance their effectiveness, efficiency and relevance in the scheme of things.

He made this known in an address at the passing out ceremony of the 2007 Batch 'A' corps members

He urged them to take advantage of poverty reduction agencies in the country to create their own jobs.

"I implore you to take advantage of such initiatives as the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN)," he said.

Yar'Adua commended the NYSC scheme, saying that in its 34 years of existence, it had contributed significantly towards fostering national unity and integration.

"Indelible impact has also been made in specific areas of providing even socio-economic development across the nation.

"The scheme's specific contributions in the education and health sectors, particularly in the rural and disadvantaged communities, bear clear testimony to its continued relevance," he added.

The president, who was represented by the secretary, social development, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Segun Awolowo, , said the Federal Government appreciated the support of state and local governments as well as corporate organisations, communities and individuals to the scheme.

He urged them to increase their level of support to the NYSC, especially in such critical areas as orientation camp development and provision of accommodation.

Others are the provision of post-service employment and checking corps members' rejection by employers.

Earlier, the NYSC coordinator in the FCT, Mrs Justina Andirya, called on the corps members to embrace the scheme's Foundation to be self-employed.