Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a three-nation visit, was conferred with Nigeria’s second highest national honor- ‘The Grand Commander of The Order of the Niger’ by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday. The last and only foreign dignitary to be given this GCON award was Queen Elizabeth in 1969. This is the 17th International award being conferred on him by a country.
In a thanksgiving gesture, PM Modi said at the Presidential Villa that he was grateful and was dedicating the award to 140 crore Indians and the deep friendship between the two nations. “This honor will continue to inspire us to strive for newer heights in the India-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.”.
The Prime Minister further elaborated that the relationship between India and Nigeria is based on the foundations of mutual cooperation, goodwill, and respect for each other. There is an intense bondage in social and cultural diversity and a commitment to work for the benefit of each other. He underlined similarities between Nigeria’s ‘Renewed Hope’ initiative and India’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision.
PM Modi also recalled his detailed discussions with President Tinubu earlier in the day. “We have identified new possibilities in the economy, energy, agriculture, security, fintech, small and medium state enterprises, and cultural areas. As a close and trusted partner, special emphasis will be placed on skill development and capacity building as per the necessities of the people of Nigeria,” he said.
Modi arrived early Sunday in the Nigerian capital on the first visit to the West African country by an Indian prime minister after a 17-year gap. He received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora. In the next leg of his five-day tour, he will travel to Brazil to attend the G20 Summit and Guyana.
