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In recognition of their giant strides, service and achievements in the Nigerian music industry, Grammy-award-winning superstar, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, Multi-award winning Afrobeats legend, 2Baba and music sensation, Teni have been conferred national awards by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The president on Tuesday conferred national awards on 447 Nigerian citizens and foreign nationals including kings, former ministers, icons and the senate president in a ceremony held at the Government House Villa in Aso Rock.
Burna Boy, who won the World Album Category at the 2021 Grammy Awards for his album ‘Twice As Tall’, was given the award of Member of the Federal Republic, MFR and the National award was received on behalf of Burna Boy by his father.
Similarly, music legend, Innocent Ujah Idibia, aka 2Face, and superstar singer, Teniola Apata “Teni” got the honour of Member of the Order of the Niger, MON.
President Buhari praised the music stars saying citizens who contribute to national development deserve to be encouraged and appreciated.
He said, “Worthy of mention are our artistes, particularly, our very own Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu (Burna Boy), who won the Grammy Awards in 2020. He along with other artistes have repositioned the Nigerian entertainment industry and placed it on the global map.”
“At the just concluded Dubai Expo 2020, Nigeria’s pavilion was a beehive of activities as our musicians entertained guests from around the world.” the statement added.
A total of 6 persons were conferred with GCON, 55 received Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), 65 got the Commander of the Order of Niger (CON), 77 were presented with the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR); 110 received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON); 74 were presented with Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and 55 received Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
There were four recipients each for the Federal Republic Medal I (FRM I) and Federal Republic Medal II (FRM II) Second Class) respectively.
The seven foreigners honoured received the OFR Award.