PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL – January 12th, 2022
Nigeria’s image in diaspora received a boost as the year 2022 unwraps herself as eight Nigerians in the United Kingdom have been honoured by the British government as Officer of the British Empire (OBE) and Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
The highly revered Queen issues an Honours list twice every year to celebrate the achievements of key individuals across the UK and these patriotic Nigerians made the Cabinet Office Honours list 2022.
- Adaeze IFEZULIKE MBE.
- Adesola ADETOSOYE OBE
- Adeyemi Adedamola WILLIAMS MBE
- Ashley BANJO MBE
- Mark Abayomi ESHO MBE.
- Morenike Olubukunola AJAYI MBE
- Obumneke Ndudirim EKEKE OBE
- Oyebanji Adeyemi ADEWUMI MBE
The New Year Honours List for 2022 recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK, Push News 24 International learnt
Public figures and everyday heroes are recognised by the Queen with an MBE, OBE or CBE. But what are these prestigious awards? Here’s all you need to know.
Anyone selected for an honour will be invited to attend an “investiture” ceremony where the regal representative will award them with a medal of the order.
The British honours system rewards people with Honours, Decorations and Medals in public recognition of their merit, service or bravery.
The most well-known awards represent different ranks in the Order of the British Empire.
Instituted in 1917 by George V, these awards were created during the First World War to reward services to the war effort by people not fighting on the front line and are now awarded to civilians as well as members of the armed forces.
They include (in order of precedence):
Knight or Dame of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire GBE, KBE or DBE (Knight or Dame):
The two senior ranks of the Order of the British Empire are Knight or Dame Grand Cross, and Knight or Dame Commander. Both of these ranks entitle their members to use the title of Sir for men and Dame for women before their forename.
This honour is awarded to those who have made major contributions to any activity, usually at a national level. Knighthoods and damehoods are traditionally presented with a touch of a sword by the King or Queen.
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE):
This is awarded for having a prominent but lesser role at a national level, or a leading role at a regional level. You can also get one for a distinguished, innovative contribution to any area.
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE):
This is awarded for having a major local role in any activity, including people whose work has made them known nationally in their chosen area.
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE):
Awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community. This will have had a long-term, significant impact and stand out as an example to others.
Those receiving the accolades are announced a few days before the New Year and around the Queen’s state birthday.
British honour recipients are officially announced in The Gazette.
What does an MBE, OBE or CBE entitle you to?
Anyone selected for an honour will be invited to attend an “investiture” ceremony at a royal residence where the Queen, or sometimes Prince Charles, Prince William or Princess Anne, will award them with their insignia – a medal – of the order.
This usually takes place a few months after the honours list is announced, but recipients can start using their new title or letters after their name as soon as the awards are announced.
Members can also have a special element added to their coat of arms showing their membership of the order.
Has anyone ever refused an honour? Push News 24 International researched –
Famous people to have rejected honours include David Bowie, who turned down an OBE in the Queen’s birthday honours in 2000.
Stars to decline OBEs include celebrity cook Nigella Lawson, comedy duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders and Fawlty Towers star John Cleese.
John Lennon is one of the few recipients to return his honour, sending back his MBE in 1969 in protest against Britain’s involvement in the Nigerian civil war.
Anyone can nominate someone for an honour on the gov.uk website.
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