To mark its Independence Day commemorated on August 3, the Republic of Niger Wednesday honoured two Presidential aides, two businessmen and two state governors with their 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 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 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.