President Muhammadu Buhari Monday was on Monday conferred with the Highest National Honour of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea for his personal integrity, exemplary leadership style and courage to fight terrorism in order to ensure peace and safety in Africa, the presidency said in a statement on Tuesday.

The honour of “Gran Collar De La Orden De La Independencia” translated “Grand Collar of the Order of the Independence” was conferred on President Buhari by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, the world’s longest serving dictator who overthrew and executed his uncle in 1979 and has remained in power for 36 years.

At the investiture ceremony, President Buhari said the recognition was for the people of Nigeria who had worked tirelessly to sustain peace in the country and across other neighbouring countries in Africa.

“On behalf of my country, Nigeria, and the people, I will like to express profound gratitude for the honour given to me and my people. The reality of the situation now is that there had never been a time in history for greater neighbourliness, for security and economic stability than now,” he said, according to a statement by spokesman Femi Adesina.

“The President said the challenges faced by African countries had a common thread, and must be collectively appraised and jointly tackled by all the African countries.

“President Buhari assured that Nigeria would always support efforts of ensuring socio-political and economic stability of its neighbours and the entire African continent,” Adesina wrote.

He quoted President Mbasogo as saying that it was an honour for his country to confer the Highest National Honour on President Buhari on his first visit to the country.

“We are here to recognise the son of the soil. On this occasion, we deem it fit and appropriate to decorate the son of Africa for the great work he is doing in Africa, which includes tackling a great menace to the continent, Boko Haram, ” he said.

The President pledged his country’s support to Nigeria in the fight against insurgency and other security challenges.