Buhari bags Equatorial Guinea's highest honour

President Muhammadu Buhari has been decorated with Equatorial Guinea's highest national honour - The  Grand Collar of the Order of the Independence - in the country's capital, Malabo.

The investiture ceremony which took place on Monday night, the first day of the president's two-day visit to the country for discussions on joint maritime security.

Buhari dedicated the honour to Nigeria, who, he said have worked tirelessly for peace in the country and Africa.

His words: "I will like to express profound gratitude for the honour given to me and my people.

"There has never been a time  for greater neighbourliness on our continent in the interest of peace, security and economic stability than now."

The president said that in the face of common challenges, Africans must strive to  cooperate more  to find workable solutions that will facilitate rapid socio-economic development on the continent.

He pledged that under his leadership, Nigeria would continue  to make significant contributions to peace, political stability and progress in Africa.

President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea said that the honour was conferred on Buhari for his "personal integrity, exemplary leadership style and courage to fight terrorism in order to ensure peace and safety in Africa.

"We  deemed it fit and appropriate to honour this son of Africa for the great work he is doing, which includes tackling Boko Haram, a great menace to the continent," Mbasogo  said