…As Tinubu Confers GCON Honour on Indian PM Modi, Sign MoUs
In a diplomatic gesture on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu conferred Nigeria’s second-highest national honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, during the latter’s visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Modi, who is on a three-nation diplomatic tour, arrived in Nigeria on Saturday on a state visit. After his visit to Abuja, he is scheduled to visit Brazil for the G20 summit and Guyana.
His visit is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007.
Modi’s visit saw the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between his country and Nigeria.
President Tinubu, during a meeting with Modi at the State House, explained that his decision to invite the Indian PM to Nigeria was to enable both countries “rekindle and reclassify our relationship”.
His words, “I recall that the last time we met was on the margins of the G20 leaders’ summit in Delhi in September 2023, as I recall that I had a very good time, a good lunch and a good experience to invite you so that we can rekindle and reclassify our relationship with India.
“The conference organised by our two countries and the frequency of high-level engagements have improved. Indian citizens and investors in Nigeria are doing great service to your reputation, democratic values and economic opportunities in our region.
“Although your current visit is short, I’m sure you’ll use this unique opportunity in many ways that we share similarities, in terms of diversity and development experience as earlier discussed.”
Tinubu added, “In furtherance to deepen our relationship, I will confer on you today, the Prime Minister of India, Nigeria’s national honour, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). This is to signify Nigeria’s appreciation and commitment to India as a partner.”
President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, noted that Modi’s visit builds on the strategic partnership established during Singh’s 2007 visit.