By Rita Okoye, Lagos
Famous Nigerian stand-up comedian Ayodeji Makun, simply known as AY, has reacted to the national honour awards bestowed on him by the outgoing President of Nigeria, Muhammad Buhari.
Ayo Makun shared the news on his official Instagram page, expressing delight on waking up to the heartwarming news from his manager, who informed him about being listed amongst notable Nigerians to receive a national honour.
The comedian cum actor also revealed that he was recently awarded the Most Outstanding Comedy Personality of A Decade, and he is delighted to be able to receive one of the highest honours a citizen can receive from his or her country.
Sharing the good news online, Ayo Makun reintroduced himself as “Dr Richard Ayodeji Makun (MFR).”
He wrote on Instagram, “Barely a week ago, I was awarded The Most Outstanding Comedy Personality of A Decade. Yesterday, I woke up to a message from my manager, informing me about being listed amongst notable Nigerians to receive a national honour. Just when I was taking it to be another award to join the ones on my shelf, I was told that National Honours are the highest honours or awards that a citizen can receive from his or her country for their contribution to national development.
“I’m indeed happy to be listed amongst individuals adding value to the country in all spheres of human endeavour. Not everyone gets to enjoy that special grace that brings me nothing short of consistent favour against all odds. At this point, permit me to reintroduce myself, I am Dr Richard Ayodeji Makun (MFR).”
Addressing those that had asked him to reject the National Honour, the father of two added, “Those of you shaming or asking me to reject ‘A National Honour’ is clearly missing a vital point. Our country is bigger and more important than any president or political party awarding it. National honour is the highest recognition anyone can get for his or her contributions to nation-building. So my allegiance is to a country where I have contributed my own quota, and I am more than happy to be rewarded by the same nation.”