President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, has been awarded the highest national award of Niger Republic, Grand Croix Des Ordre National Du Niger, by the country’s president, Mahamadou Issoufou.
Issoufou on Tuesday said the honor was given to Buhari due to his “fraternity, vigor, patriotism and determination to move Africa forward, starting from the West Coast.”
The president appreciated Buhari and Nigerians for the country’s support for ten years, especially when Buhari was the chairman of ECOWAS, stating that Nigeria has is ”second home”.
In his remarks, Buhari hailed the outgoing leader for upholding the tenets of democracy, improving the economy, and consolidating the good relations between both nations.
Buhari hailed the out-going leader in his remark to keep the tenets of democracy, develop the economy, and appeal to the good relationship between both nations.
He stated that Issoufou’s achievement has been widely acclaimed, with his recent Mo Ibrahim Prize award.
Buhari said his first visit was to the Niger Republic after he assumed office in 2015, stating that the choice is based on the value and quality of the relationship between both countries.
“Nigeria-Niger relations are based on a long common border and shared cultural and historical roots. Relations between the two countries have, over the years, been very cordial and fraternal. There is a spirit of good neighborliness between us.”