Abuja — President Umaru Yar'Adua today bestowed the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight Champion, Samuel Peter.

Receiving the boxer in the company of popular promoter Don King, Yar'Adua said the award would be presented after it had been confirmed by the National Council of State at its meeting on Nov. 19.

He said that the federal government "will do anything" to promote the career of the boxer, who is also a policeman.

"You have done Nigeria and Africa proud. The honour you have done is not only for yourself and your family, but for all of us in Nigeria and indeed Africa.

"This is the type of personal achievement that leaves indelible legacy," the president said, adding: "It is an honour well-deserved."

The boxer presented the belt to Yar'Adua.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Federal Executive Council and the Senate had earlier honoured the pugilist following his Oct. 6 feat, which made him the first African to win a world heavyweight boxing title.

Born in 1980, the boxer was adopted by the Nigeria Police Force in 1992 and was in the

Team Nigeria to the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.

Speaking with State House correspondents after the short ceremony, Don King described the boxer as one with great potentials and well focused.

King, who continually shouted "I love Nigeria", said he was willing to take Peter to the pinnacle of his career.

Peter, on his part, said he was elated with the award and advised upcoming boxers in the country to imbibe the spirit of discipline and hard work to excel in their career.

Gov. Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom accompanied Peter to the ceremony.

(NAN)