The President of Niger Republic Mohammed Bazoum has decorated Borno state Governor Babagana Zulum, with the country’s Second National Honour, “de Grand Officer dans I`Ordre”.
The honour is equivalent to Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON, in Nigeria’s ranking of national honours.
In a statement by the spokesman of the Governor, Malam Isa Gusau, President Bazoum said he was honouring Professor Zulum after monitoring the Governor’s courage in the fight against Boko Haram, his deep concern on the plight of Borno’s citizens taking refuge in parts of Niger Republic and resettlement effort.
The statement adds that the decoration was performed in Zindar as part of events lined up to celebrate the country’s independence day. t
According to Malam Gusau, this was the first time a Nigerien President would honour a Nigerian Governor with the country’s second highest national award.
Responding, Governor Babagana Zulum said the honour would spur him to more towards uplifting the people of Borno.
President Bazoum later invited Governor Zulum to accompany him to commission 138km Zindar road project and the 22 mega watts power project also in Zindar.
The Governor was accompanied to Zindar by Senators Kashim Shettima, Mohammed Ndume, Chief whip of the House of Representatives, Mohammed Monguno, Speaker Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, and the Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Bukar Talba.
Dauda Iliya