Abuja/New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Sunday conferred with Nigeria’s national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during a ceremony at Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.
President Tinubu stated that the honour was “to signify our appreciation of India as Nigeria’s partner.”
The GCON is the second-highest national honour in Nigeria, second only to the GCFR which is mostly reserved for Nigeria’s presidents.
PM Modi arrived in Abuja Saturday evening for the bilateral engagement that President Tinubu said will enhance “mutual respect and a shared mission”.
President Tinubu said: “Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India, and we work to deepen and broaden the same to the mutual benefit of our two friendly countries.
“You represent a very strong commitment in democratic values and norms, you have been doing a good job historically, winning three consecutive elections in a complex society is a feat that we respect so much.
“I will confer on you today, the Prime Minister of India, Nigeria’s National Honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger. This to signify Nigerian appreciation and commitment to India as a partner,” President Tinubu said.
Prime Minister Modi is the second foreign dignitary to receive this distinction, after Queen Elizabeth in 1969.
The MEA spokesperson said in a post on X:
“An honour dedicated to the people of India.
“President @officialABAT of Nigeria conferred PM @narendramodi
with the national award – ‘Grand Commander of the Order of Niger’, for his statesmanship & stellar contribution to fostering India-Nigeria ties.
“The award citation notes that under PM’s visionary leadership, India has been positioned as a global powerhouse & his transformative governance has fostered unity, peace and shared prosperity for all.
“PM thanked President Tinubu and the people of Nigeria for the honour, which he dedicated to the people of India and to the longstanding friendship between India and Nigeria.
“PM @narendramodi is the first foreign leader to be conferred with this award since 1969.”
While accepting the award, Prime Minister dedicated the honour to the people of India and to the longstanding, historical friendship between India and Nigeria. He further stated that the recognition underscores the Strategic Partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to the aspirations of the Global South.
While accepting the award, PM Modi said: “President Tinubu has honoured me with Nigeria’s National Award. This honour belongs to the people of India. This honour belongs to all of you – Indians living here in Nigeria.”
UNI
