The President of Niger Republic, Muhammadu Bazoum, has conferred national awards on the Chairman of Max Air, Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal; Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni; Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, and three others.
The honour which was part of activities marking the National Day celebration of the Republic of Niger was held on Saturday and Sunday in Niamey, the Niger Republic capital.
Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada, had conveyed letters to the recipients acting on a ‘Note Verbale’ on December 12, informing them of the award ceremony.
Other Nigerians honoured included the governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and Niger State governor, Abubakar Sani Bello.
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Speaking at the event, President Bazoum explained that the awards were aimed at appreciating Nigerian personalities who contributed greatly to the growth and development of the Niger republic.
Mangal is the Chairman/CEO of AFDIN Group Nigeria Limited, which has large investments in the airline, transportation and construction sectors.
His company, Mangal Industries Limited, is currently constructing a $600 million cement plant and 50 megawatts captive power plant in Moba, Kogi.
The project, expected to be completed in early 2024, is being executed in partnership with a Chinese firm, Sinoma, and would deliver three million metric tons of cement per year.
Mangal is also a renowned philanthropist offering help and support to students, people with disabilities and internally displaced persons affected by conflict in Nigeria.