Foremost Nigerian Sculptor and Painter, Ben Enwonwu was perhaps the first Nigerian artist to enjoy an international reputation. He held his first international exhibition in Zweener Gallery, London in 1937 and dominated the Nigerian art scene for over three decades. He was awarded a Commonwealth certificate for contributing to the Arts by the Royal Institute of Arts, Commerce and Agriculture in 1958. He was awaded the NNOM in 1980
A Potter, Dr. Kwali was widely acclaimed for her great dexterity and expertise in the art of pottery. Though without formal Western Education, she placed on a high pedestal the age old Nigerian art and industry of pottery. In recognition of her excellence, the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) honored her with a doctorate degree. She was awarded the NNOM in 1980
Akinlawon Ladipupo Mabogunje (1931-)
Geographer, Educationist, Prof. Mabogunje was director of the Planning Studies Program at the University of Ibadan. He had served in different capacities both nationally and internationally. He was a member of the Board of the Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural infrastructure and the President of the Nigerian Council for Population Activities. Among his published books and academic papers are Urbanization in Nigeria, Regional Planning and National Development in Africa and the Development Process: A spatial perspective. He was awarded the NNOM in 1980.
Ben Nwabueze (1937-)
Legal luminary and Author, Prof. Nwabueze is a distinguished authority on Constitutional Law to which he has made outstanding contributions, with special reference to Nigeria and the Commonwealth countries. He was awarded the NNOM in 1980
