The Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is besides himself with joy as President Muhammadu Buhari confers a national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on him.
In a letter he addressed to the President today, May 28, Governor Yahaya Bello said that it’s a pleasant surprise to wake up this Sunday morning to be confronted with the news of the award of the national honour.
“I was pleasantly surprised to wake up on Sunday morning to the heartwarming news that Your Excellency has graciously Conferred on me, the national honour in the elevated echelon of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
“I treasure this prestigious recognition, especially as it comes from no other person than your Excellency, whom I have long regarded as a father figure and political mentor.”
The governor assured the president that he would use the award to serve Kogi State and Nigeria better than before.
President Buhari also conferred special national honour on his senior special assistant on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, amongst 339 other Nigerians.
Garba Shehu and Laolu Akande, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity (Office of the Vice President) were conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Also, the Permanent Secretary, State House, Tijjani Umar received the National Honour of OON.
The President’s Personal Photographers for the eight years of his administration, Bayo Omoboriowo and Sunday Aghaeze bagged Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), respectively.
Also listed for the National Honours Award for their diligent services to the nation are Tolu Ogunlesi, the Special Assistant to the President on Digital and New Media, MON; Tolani Alli, Personal Photographer to the Vice President, MFR; Adamu Sambo, NTA Correspondent and Emmanuel Anrihi, NTA Cameraman, MFR.
An official publication by the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs advised the award recipients to come to the office of the Ministry to collect their certificates and medals on Thursday, June 1, 2023.