No southerner as Buhari's aide, others receive Niger Republic's highest civilian honors

The Republic of Niger paid tribute to some Nigerians on Wednesday as part of activities marking the country's Independence Day.

However, there are no Southerners on the list of Recognized Prominent Citizens.

The winners include two aides to President Muhammadu Buhari, two businessmen and two governors.

These are Sarki Abba, Senior Special Assistant (Domestic and Home Affairs) to the President, and Chief of State Protocol, Amb. Lawal Kazauré.

The businessmen are Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group; and Abdulsamad Rabi'u, President of the BUA Group.

Honored state governors are Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa and Mohammed Bello Matawalle of Zamfara.

All received the "Order of Merit of Niger" and the "Grand Master of National Awards".

President Mohammed Bazoum noted that his country cherishes Nigeria as one of its closest neighbors and friends.

Bazoum said the "Nigerian brothers" have made great strides in improving understanding between the two nations and are agents of social and economic development.

The President of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and the Governor of Kebbi, Abubakar Bagudu, attended the event.

Presidential Spokesman Garba Shehu said the awards were in recognition of the recipients' role in promoting better relations between countries.