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Obasanjo honours US-based Nigerian, two others
From Madu Onuorah, Abuja

PRESIDENT Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday conferred the national honours of merit on three Nigerians, pledging that henceforth, the Federal Government will beam its searchlight on Nigerians in the diaspora in its determination to explore and harness talents for the development of the country.

One of the recipients of the award is Professor Charles Ifeanyi Ume, a Nigerian living in the United States.

Ume, the President explained "represents the many Nigerians in the diaspora who have made notable contributions in various fields, and whose talents the nation is determined to harness and utilize for the good of our people."

Ume's award, Obasanjo emphasized, re-affirms the stance of his administration that the contributions of Nigerians in diaspora would be appropriately recognised here at home.

Lauding the contributions of both the past and current awardees, he said that the nation recognises their efforts in breaking new grounds in their chosen fields, adding that "Nigeria, our continent of Africa, and indeed the world at large, appreciate your invaluable contributions in the fields you have given the better part of your lives."

He charged them to consolidate on the gains of the award, advising that they should strive to remain symbols of honour of the country's creativity as well as role models to the youth.

According to the President, "you must remain in the vanguard of our nation's fight against under-development and technological backwardness," he stated. He expressed conviction that the awardees' individual performance had given hope that with collective effort, Nigeria could be transformed.

Those honoured with Ume, who got his award from the engineering/technology field, are Professor Paulina K. Makinwa-Adebusoya (Humanities) and Professor Alfred Susu (Chemical Engineering).

Umeh, got his recognition in mechanical engineering where he specialises in electronic packaging, ultrasonics and mechatronics.

Adebusoye is a professor of population science and the first female president and fellow of the Social Science Council of Nigeria. She holds a first degree in geography and a master's degree in economics.

Susu read chemical engineering in American universities and was recognised for developing a process for platinum reforming catalysts that saves refiners from high turnover in refining.

He also developed an industrial plant for the local production of previously imported deodorized kerosene. Susu's work is also being utilised to checkmate the vandalisation of pipes in the nation's oil fields and oil spill modelling and Tracking system.

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