President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday approved the upgrade of special national award on Chief (Dr) Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea to Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

The President had in October last year conferred on Dr. Ikpea the Order of the Niger (OON) award, a designation many thought doesn’t befits the status of an entrepreneur who has contributed so much to the economic development of the country.

The award upgrade is coming alongside the nomination of other 338 Nigerians and friends of the country for their various contribution to the nation.

The 2023 honours list which was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Ibiene P. Roberts was released to journalist in Abuja today.

Chief (Dr) Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea, is the Group Chairman, Lee Engineering and Allied Construction Companies. One of the company, Lee Fabrication Factory Limited is on the verge of commissioning the biggest fabrication factories in Nigeria. The factory sited in Warri, Delta State is set to play a major role in the fabrication of tools used in the oil and gas industry.

Commending Mr. President’s decision to upgrade his award status, Dr. Ikpea said, “I am profoundly humbled and honoured by the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) conferment on me by His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

He added that “I am grateful to the Almighty God for His guidance in my life, and I take this opportunity with gratitude and a deep sense of humility.”

The conferment of the prestigious award on Dr. Leemon Ikpea is a testament that hard work pays and a recognition of his invaluable work in the public-private sector space to nation-building. Dr Leemon is a shining light in the infrastructure and petroleum profession and this award is another feather to his cap.