The Centenary dinner marked at the Presidential Villa, Abuja was well attended by all living former heads of states of the country. These included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, General Ibrahim Babangida (Retd), Chief Ernest Shonekan, Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar (Retd), President Sheu Shagari, and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd).
Over 100 Nigerians were honoured at the Centenary awards by President Goodluck Jonathan, although a few of the Nigerians honoured rejected the award. Some of those who rejected the award include the families of late Chief Gani Fahewinmi, Chinua Achebe, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, and Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.
Wole Soyinka also boycotted the awards.
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Okonjo Iweala also reviewed a book entitled “The reforms that have transformed Nigeria 2010-2013.”
The book contains the achievement of President Jonathan’s administration, including road rehabilitation and construction, power sector reforms, aviation reforms, and agricultural sector interventions.
President Jonathan presented the book to the participants of the dinner.