Singer Teni Apata has appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for honouring her with a national award amid claims of disrespect while accepting the award.
The 2022 National Honours Award Investiture took place at the International Conference Centre in Abuja on Tuesday.
Teni was conferred with the title of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
In a video making rounds on social media, the 29-year-old is seen receiving the award from Buhari without a handshake which many claimed was an act of disrespect to the president.
Teni, who appears seemingly unbothered over the criticism, took to Instagram on Wednesday to pen down an appreciation message to the Federal Government.
Sharing highlights from the event, she wrote: “With honour and gratitude to God, it was indeed a joyous moment to receive a National Honor yesterday. I was conferred MON (Member of the Order of the Niger) by His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR @muhammadubuhari President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the National Awards Committee headed by Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, the Emir of Lafia, after diligently going through over 5,000 submissions.
“Special thanks to God for this, the Federal Government, my loved ones and to you all for supporting me from day 1. This honor is for the entire family of Rt. Brigadier General Simeon Olaosebikan Apata (Ascend), My Father.
“I was granted this award for “consistent and meaningful participation in community and/or national development; rendering unsolicited, selfless and philanthropic services to humanity; outstanding sacrifice in the defence of a cause popularly adjudged to be positive, relevant and beneficial to the nation and community.’’
“To all the young girls this one is for you. Let’s not forget to stop dreaming. Nothing is impossible,”
