(ABUJA)
Security is tight around the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, venue of the 2014 National Honours Award Investiture ceremony being performed by President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday.
Heavily armed security personnel were stationed at strategic locations in and around the venue, as the ceremony got underway.
The personnel comprise men of the military, police, civil defence corps, the Department of State Security and Federal Road Safety Commission.
All roads leading to the ICC have been cordoned off, while both vehicular and human traffic are being diverted through alternative routes.
All guests and awardees are subjected to thorough screening before given access to the venue, which is beautifully decorated in green and white curtains and ribbons.
A total of 313 citizens who have contributed to the development and progress of the country are receiving the awards.
According to the event programme, 25 of the awardees will receive the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) award, while 60 will be confered with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Fifty-four awardees are listed to receive the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OFR) award, and 63 will be decorated as Officers of the Order of the Niger (OON).
The Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) awards are going out to 53 and 56 recipients respectively.
Two of the awardees will each receive the First and Second Class of the Federal Republic Medal.
None of the awardees made the highest honours of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and the Grand Commnder of the Order of the Niger (GCON) this year.
(The News Nigeria)

Tight security as 313 honoured by Nigeria