TheCable

Gianni Infantino, president of the international football governing body (FIFA), has congratulated Amaju Pinnick on the national honour conferred on him by the federal government.

Last Sunday, a total of 339 persons were nominated by the federal government to receive national honours.

Some of the persons listed for the award of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) are Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Hadi Sirika, minister of aviation; and Bisi Akande, a former governor of Osun state.

Others are Herbert Wigwe, group chief executive officer, Access Holdings; late Mohammed Barkindo, former Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) secretary-general; and Chima Nweze, a supreme court judge, among others.

In a statement on Friday, Infantino praised Pinnick, the former NFF president who is now a FIFA council member, on being awarded Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The FIFA president said Pinnick’s “remarkable contribution to world football deserves our admiration”.

“This is a well-deserved honour that rewards your passion and exemplary commitment to the service of the international football community, particularly within the FIFA Council,” Infantino said.

“Your human qualities and skills, not to mention your remarkable contribution to the development of Nigerian, African and world football, deserve our admiration.”

The world football governing body’s president also expressed belief that the latest award would spur Pinnick to record more success in world football.

“I have always believed in your ability and capability, and this serves to further motivate me to look up to you to attain greater height,” Infantino added.