By Jennifer Y Omiloli
The Government of Japan has appointed Senator Udoma Udo Udoma as one of the foreign recipients of the 2019 Autumn Imperial Decorations, former Minister of National Planning and Budget.
This was confirmed in a statement issued yesterday by the Japanese Embassy in Abuja, stating that Udoma will receive “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star,” one of the highest orders in the name of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.
The statement said that Udoma was nominated for the award in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and fostering Japan-Nigeria friendship.
The statement said: “Senator Udoma, an accomplished lawyer who served as the Minister of Budget and National Planning of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2015 to 2019, and Honorary Consul of Japan at Lagos from 2011 to 2015, is the first Nigerian ever to receive the Order of the Rising Sun award from the government of Japan.”
“The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star is one of the highest orders under the Order of the Rising Sun, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji.
“The Order was the first national decoration awarded by the government of Japan, with the badge features rays of sunlight from the rising sun.
‘’The order is awarded in the name of his Majesty the Emperor of Japan and is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in the international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation of the environment.
‘’The Order of the Rising Sun comprises as follows: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun; the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star; the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon; the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette; the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays and the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays.’’
The Japanese government said that for many years, Udoma had played an important role in improving the relationship between Japan and Nigeria.
