Nigerian Superstar, Burna Boy was awarded the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS) when he returned to Port Harcourt for his homecoming concert at the weekend, weeks after receiving his first Grammy award.
According to the Daily Nigerian, Governor Nyesom Wike reportedly handed over the award which is the state’s second-highest official award to Burna Boy, real name Damini Ogulu, with his family and management in attendance.
In addition to the award title, the singer was also gifted a plot of land as well as funds to build a house on the land.
Wike stated that the award was a token of gratitude and hoped that it would serve as an encouragement to River State for its people to strive to get to Burna Boy’s level. The bar has, admittedly, been set very high though Burna Boy was humble in his response to the award:
“I have collected honours everywhere in the world, but it feels different when you get it from home. This is my most humble moment and I thank each and every one of you. I thank the best Governor I have ever experienced.
I don’t like politics and politicians but my Governor has shown me that there is hope for the youths and there is hope for us. This award is not only for me but for all of you and the future Burna Boys. I love you Port Harcourt, everywhere I go, I carry you with me”
The conferral happened during Burna Boy’s homecoming concert in honour of his grammy win and was well attended by his hometown fans.
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He was greeted by a massive crowd of cheering fans when he arrived, and a concert in his honour, held at the EUI Centre, which featured performances by fellow Port Harcourt superstars, Duncan Mighty and Timaya who reportedly received monetary honorariums from the governor.
Taking to his Twitter account, he showed off the honorary medal.
— Burna Boy (@burnaboy) March 30, 2021