PM Modi receives Nigeria's second-highest honour

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi was conferred Nigeria's Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Sunday, making him the second foreign dignitary after Queen Elizabeth to receive the honour, which, he said, symbolised the bond between India and Nigeria as well as their collective commitment to democracy, development, and mutual prosperity.

GCON, the second-highest national honour of the West African nation, was conferred upon Modi by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja. This is Modi's 17th such international award. The GCON was conferred upon Queen Elizabeth II in 1969.

During his address, Modi dedicated the award to the people of India and the enduring friendship between India and Nigeria. "Today, as I accept this honor, I do so with great humility. This award symbolises not just the bond between our two nations but also our collective commitment to democracy, development, and mutual prosperity," the PM said. His visit to Nigeria, aimed at enhancing bilateral relations, was also the first visit by an Indian PM in 17 years.

President Tinubu praised Modi's leadership and his achievement of winning three consecutive elections, a feat, he described, as particularly commendable in a complex society like India.

Several BJP leaders, including Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Piyush Goyal, said the prestigious recognition marks a significant milestone in the deepening bilateral ties between India and Nigeria, and recognises PM Modi's efforts to unlock the potential of the Global South through enhanced cooperation.


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