The Republic of Niger celebrated its independence with Decorating Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum. The decoration was done by President Mohammed Bazoum of Niger. The award is the country’s Second Highest National Honour, “De Grand Officer dans I`Ordre”, which is the equivalent of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON, in Nigeria’s ranking of national honours.
Bazoum said “this recognition is for the selfless sacrifice of Zulum which we have been monitoring , the willingness and tremendous effort to end the insurgency. A sincere fight against Boko Haram, deep concern on the plight of Borno’s citizens taking refuge in parts of Niger Republic, which Zulum has visited a number of times, offering support and steadily evacuating and Goveresettling the refugees in new houses built in Borno.’’
The decoration was performed in Zindar as part of events lined up by the Federal Government of Niger to celebrate the country’s Independence Day.
Zulum’s national award, “de Grand Officer dans I`Ordre”, is only second to “Grand Croix Des Ordre National Du Niger” which is the equivalent of GCFR, and only serving Presidents in Niger normally get the award in Niger Republic.
It is the first time a Nigerien President would honour a Nigerian Governor with the country’s second highest national award.
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