The Japanese ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Kikuta Yutaka, has honoured two Nigerian Professors and seven young Nigerian students for their contributions to Nigeria-Japan bilateral relations and cultural advancement.
The two Professors are James Ogbonna, from the University of Nsukka, and Mohammed Dauda of the University of Abuja.
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Esther Oluwaferanmi Akanbi, Medinat Olamide Olabode and Stella-Maris Mmasi Nnamani, who won first, second and third places respectively in the first-ever Japanese contest in Nigeria, were also honoured at the ceremony to commemorate the birthday of the Emperor of Japan.
Others that received the language contest awards include Aminu Ashiru, Paul Okeleye, Patience Ukamaka Ezeani and Frank Jotham Aromoro.
In his speech, Yutaka said the embassy’s special award to the recipients was to appreciate their roles in growing the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Japan.
He said Ogbonna and Mohammed have introduced Japanese language course and Japanese culture club at their universities.
He said the award will encourage young people and people to people exchange between both countries.
In their response, both professors thanked the Japan Embassy for finding them worthy of the award.
They also appealed for an increase in the number of scholarships for Nigerian students to Japan.
