Nine individuals were on Saturday conferred upon the Igihango National Order of Outstanding Friendship in recognition of their outstanding service to Rwanda.

At a glamorous event in Kigali, President Paul Kagame led the nation in expressing utmost gratitude for the true friendship and unwavering commitment to Rwanda of these – mostly foreign – people, who have played a key part in the country’s recovery from the devastation of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to a vibrant, promising nation.

The conferees were recognised for truly believing in Rwanda and accompanying the people of Rwanda on their journey back from hell through various ways, including seeking justice for the victims of the Genocide by pursuing fugitives abroad, investing in key sectors such as health, agriculture and ICT, cultivating strategic relations between the country and foreign business leaders, fostering diplomatic ties between Rwanda and other countries, disseminating and defending the truth about Rwanda and its checkered history, among others.

President Kagame said that the purpose of National Orders is to honour extraordinary contributions to the country’s life, adding that doing so serves to inspire young people to conduct their lives with the highest principles and ambitions.

The individuals who were honoured include Hezi Bezalel, Howard G. Buffett, Gilbert R. Chagoury, John W. Dick, Dr. Paul Farmer, Dafroza Mukarumongi-Gauthier, Alain Gauthier, Prof. Linda Melvern and Joseph Ritchie.

These distinguished personalities, millions of Rwandans and many other friends of Rwanda are the reason why this country has defied unimaginable odds to rise and take its dignified place at the table, while inspiring the next generation of nation-builders.

Young Rwandans have older compatriots and the conferees of the inaugural Igihango National Order of Outstanding Friendship to look up to to make their fair contribution toward the continued effort to build their country and propel her into the community of truly developed nations.

But they will need to steer clear of modern-day social ills such as drug abuse, alcoholism, prostitution and crime, as well as work hard and remain focused, if they are to truly walk in the footsteps of those who have faithfully served this country.

The ball is in their court.