Nigeria to honour PM Modi with 'GCON', 2nd foreign guest after Queen Elizabeth
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Abuja: Nigeria will confer Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), the country’s second-highest national honour, during his first official visit. The GCON is a prestigious recognition, with Queen Elizabeth being the only foreign dignitary to have previously received the award in 1969.
PM Modi arrived in Abuja on Sunday as part of a three-nation diplomatic tour that also includes Brazil and Guyana. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally welcomed the Prime Minister at the Abuja airport, underscoring the importance of strengthening India-Nigeria relations.
Expressing his gratitude, PM Modi took to X , saying, "Landed a short while ago in Nigeria. Grateful for the warm welcome. May this visit deepen the bilateral friendship between our nations."
This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years, further highlighting its significance. The GCON award will be the 17th international honour conferred upon PM Modi.
Earlier this week, Dominica announced it would present PM Modi with its highest national award, the 'Dominica Award of Honour,' in recognition of his vital support during the COVID-19 pandemic and his efforts to strengthen India-Dominica relations. Dominica's President Sylvanie Burton will present the award at the India-CARICOM Summit in Guyana from November 19-21.
PM Modi’s diplomatic tour runs from November 16 to 21, starting in Nigeria, followed by the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil, and concluding with a historic visit to Guyana, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over five decades.
Upon his arrival in Nigeria, the Prime Minister was greeted warmly by the Indian diaspora, who expressed their excitement and support for the visit. This tour reinforces India’s ongoing commitment to enhancing ties with key global partners.
With IANS inputs
