Niger State governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has received the highest national honours award from the Government of the Republic of Niger.
The chief press secretary to the governor Mary Noel Berje in a statement yesterday said the award was part of activities marking the National Day celebration of the Republic of Niger, which took place at Toummo, Niamey.
She said the governor expressed gratitude for the honour done to him and assured of his continuous support and service delivery to humanity.
Berje added that earlier, the president of the Republic of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum explained that the award is aimed at appreciating personalities who distinguished themselves in different fields of endeavour.
The chief press secretary said President Bazoum acknowledged the long-standing economic and social relations existing between his country and Nigeria.
She stated that, “He (president of Niger Republic) said so many Nigerians have contributed greatly to the growth and development of Niger hence, honouring them on a day like this is apt”.
She listed some other Nigerians honoured including the governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, and that of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, as well as former Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister (1993-1995) and other prominent business moguls.
She said other prominent Nigerians at the event were the Senate President Ahmed Lawan, the Senator representing Niger East, Muhammed Sani Musa, commissioners of works and women’s affairs, and Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe, chief of staff to Governor Abubakar Sani Bello and the emir of Kontagora, (Sarkin Sudan) Alhaji Muhammaduau Barau Mua’zu among others.
According to her, the National Day Celebration of the Republic of Niger is an annual event celebrated every 18th of December to commemorate the creation of the Republic and the establishment of the office of the Presidency.
She said though the 18th December is not the official Independence Day of Niger, it, however, marks the founding of its national institutions.
