PM Modi receives ceremonial welcome in Abuja, begins bilateral talks with Nigerian President Tinubu ABUJA — Nigeria will confer its second-highest national award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first official visit to the country. Notably, the only foreign dignitary to have previously received the award was Queen Elizabeth in 1969. PM Modi arrived in Abuja on Sunday as part of a three-nation diplomatic tour, which also includes Brazil and Guyana. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally welcomed him at Abuja airport, signifying the importance of this visit in strengthening India-Nigeria relations. Expressing his gratitude on social media platform X, PM Modi said, “Landed a short while ago in Nigeria. Grateful for the warm welcome. May this visit deepen the bilateral friendship between our nations.” This also marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nigeria in 17 years. This recognition will be the 17th international award conferred on the Prime Minister. Earlier this week, Dominica announced its highest national honour, the ‘Dominica Award of Honour,’ for PM Modi in acknowledgement of his pivotal support during the COVID-19 pandemic and his commitment to fostering India-Dominica relations. Dominica’s...