It was organized by the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and designed to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of remarkable individuals who significantly impacted the nation's growth, unity, and development across diverse fields.
Also, the Yar’Adua siblings, comprising Shehu Musa, an army general and politician, and his younger brother Umaru, who served as Nigeria's only civilian president to pass away while in office.
The event, held at East London's Waltham Forest Town Hall on June 27, 2014, and was organized by Ben TV in collaboration with the Nigeria High Commission.
Critics suggested that political correctness influenced the choices, questioning the automatic reverence bestowed upon anyone who had led Nigeria, equating leadership with instant recognition as a national hero.
Specifically, criticism targeted the omission of notable figures such as Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi and sports pioneers like Hogan Bassey and Emmanuel Ifeajuna.
Critics argued that the document failed to adequately represent Nigeria's diverse history and achievements, emphasizing the importance of meticulousness and accuracy in compiling such prestigious records for posterity and international recognition.