Senator Udoma Udo Udoma awarded one of Japan's highest national honours

JAPAN'S government has awarded Nigeria's former minister budget and national planning Senator Udoma Udo Udoma with one of its highest national honours in recognition of his contribution to building the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Senator Udoma, a lawyer and former senator, who served as a minister between 2015 and 2019 became the first Nigerian ever to be awarded by Japan. He was conferred with the order of the rising sun, gold and silver star, one of the highest orders under the Order of the Rising Sun established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji.

Akpandem James, the former minister's spokesman, said: “Senator Udoma Udo Udoma received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, one of the highest orders awarded in the name of His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan, in recognition of his contributions towards strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendship between Japan and Nigeria."

The order is awarded in the name of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and is given to those who have made distinguished achievements in international relations, the promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, the development in welfare or preservation of the environment. Its badge features rays of sunlight from the rising sun.