On Sunday, Nigeria awarded its second-highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making him the second foreign dignitary to receive this prestigious recognition. The first foreign recipient was Queen Elizabeth in 1969.
Upon receiving the award from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, PM Modi expressed his gratitude and dedicated the honour to the 1.4 billion people of India, emphasizing the deep and enduring relationship between India and Nigeria.
“Honoured to be conferred with the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger’ Award by Nigeria. I accept it with great humility and dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India and the friendship of India and Nigeria,” Modi said.
Modi acknowledged the longstanding ties between the two nations, pointing towards the shared values of democracy and economic dynamism.
“As two vibrant democracies with dynamic economies, we have been working together for the well-being of the people of both countries,” he said.
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The award adds to Prime Minister Modi’s expanding list of international accolades, with Nigeria becoming the 17th country to honor him for his global contributions.
PM Modi arrived in Abuja on Sunday as part of his three-nation tour, which includes visits to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana from November 17 to November 21.
Upon his arrival, he was warmly received by Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Nigeria’s Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, who presented him with the symbolic ‘Key to the City’ of Abuja, a gesture that reflects the respect and trust the Nigerian people have for the Indian leader.
Modi’s visit, at the invitation of President Tinubu, is expected to deepen strategic ties between the two nations.
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