President Umaru Yar’Adua on Wednesday honoured the interim World Boxing Council Champion, Samuel Peter with an award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

The President bestowed the award on Peter at a reception in the Council Chambers of the State House, during which the boxer presented the ‘world belt.’

The short but elaborate event witnessed a large turn-out of dignitaries, including government officials and sports administrators.

Foremost American boxing promoter, Don King, was in the group that accompanied Peter to the State House, which also included Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr. Goodswill Akpabio.

Announcing the award, Yar’Adua noted that he had previously written to congratulate the champion, while the Federal Executive Council had also done same.

“The nation also honours you with a national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger,” he said, adding that the award would be approved by the National Council of State at its next meeting later in the month.

The President did not offer any financial reward to the boxing champion, as he instead opted for the traditional ‘Presidential Handshake.’

well is all well and good, samuel peters is in position to receive the award from the federal government, and president Ya'adua has given it to him, Congratulations.