By Abdulmalik Ismaila, Kano
The government and people of Niger Republic have honoured 6 ( six) Nigerians for supporting their country in various ways. The award was part of activities to mark the country’s independence day
President Mohammed Bazoum says the ‘brother Nigerians’ have increased understanding between Nigeria and Niger and explains that his country cherishes Nigeria as one of its closest neighbours and friends.
The event took.place on August 3rd. The beneficiaries are 2 Presidential aides, two businessmen and two state governors who were honoured with the country’s national honours in recognition of their roles as ‘brother Nigerians’ who have strengthened the promotion of better relations between the two sister states.
The awardees are Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, Abdulsamad Rabi’u, President of the BUA Group, and two northern governors, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State and Mohammed Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State.
The Niger Republic also gave its highest Civilian Awards to two aides of President Muhammadu Buhari – the Senior Special Assistant (Household and Domestic Affairs) to the President, Sarki Abba, and the State Chief of Protocol, Ambassador Lawal Kazaure.
August 3 every year is set aside to mark the country’s independence from France in 1960 and since 1975 has been recognised as “tree planting day” when trees are planted across the nation to aid the fight against desertification.
In giving the awards, President Mohammed Bazoum said his country cherished Nigeria as one of its closest neighbours and friends.
They were awarded the “Order of Merit of Niger, Great Master of National Awards.”
In various citations read by the country’s leader, President Bazoum praised the efforts of “brother Nigerians” who had made great strides in increasing understanding between the two nations and for acting as agents of social and economic development.
The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Bagudu was one of those honoured