President Muizzu Confers National Day Honours on 13 Individuals, Two Organisations

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has conferred the Order of the Dignified Rule of the Dhiyamigili Dynasty (ODRDD) on ‘Kashima’ Ahmed Shakir and national awards on 13 individuals and two organisations during the official National Day ceremony in Haa Alifu Atoll, Utheemu, today.

Ahmed Shakir received the ODRDD, one of the country’s highest national honours, in recognition of his more than four decades of public service and contributions to Dhivehi literature, performing arts, historical research and public life.

He began his public service career on 30 July 1969 and served for more than 41 years in various senior positions. His roles included Legal Counsel and Shipping Master at the Ministry of Transport and Shipping, as well as Director of Administration, Director General and Executive Director at the National Centre for Linguistic and Historical Research.

Following his retirement, Ahmed Shakir taught at Villa College for more than 12 years and served as a Senior Curriculum Developer. He also represented the Malé Atoll constituency in both the People’s Majlis and the People’s Special Majlis.

Ahmed Shakir entered Dhivehi literature during his early service at the Government printing press and later became involved in performing arts and stage drama. He founded the Cultural and Dramatic Society and produced shows for more than a decade.

As a Programme Producer at Television Maldives, he wrote screenplays and trained cast members for several well-known teledramas and films, including Ghaazee Bandaarain, Dhon Hiyala aai Alifulhu and Tharaaganduge Kashigandu.

He has also authored several works on Maldivian history, including the 640-page Vihivana Qarunuge Thereygai Dhivehiraajje (Maldives in the 20th Century) and five additional volumes in the series. His other works cover the spread of Islam in the Maldives, the country’s judicial system and the history of Maldivian currency, alongside institutional histories and biographies of prominent national figures.

Ahmed Shakir earned a Master of Shariah degree at the age of 69. He has previously received the National Award of Recognition for performing arts and public speaking, the Silver Pen for the Service of Journalism, the National Award of Honour for historical writing and the Hassan Thaajuddeen Award from the Dhivehi Language Academy.

In 2025, he also received an honorary award at the Sharjah International Narrator Forum.

He currently serves as a member of the Dhivehi Gaumiyyathuge Isvaru in the field of history and chairs the National Awards Committee established by President Muizzu.

National Award of Honour

President Muizzu also conferred the National Award of Honour on four recipients for their contributions to different fields.

The recipients are:

• Mohamed Amir Ahmed – contributions to Dhivehi language and literature
• Ibrahim Rasheed – contributions to construction and architecture
• Society for Health Education (SHE) – contributions to the health sector
• Najuma Hussain – contributions to news and information dissemination

Recipients of the National Award of Honour received a shield of honour, badge of honour and commemorative certificate.

National Award of Recognition

The National Award of Recognition was presented to eight individuals and one company for contributions across religious education, literature, history, health, construction, technology, sport and visual arts.

The recipients are:

• Hawwa Latheef – raising awareness of Islam, service to the faith and religious education
• Mohamed Naseer – contributions to Dhivehi language and literature
• Command Sergeant Major Abdulla Saeed – contributions to Maldivian history
• Mohamed Ahmed – contributions to the health sector
• Bison Maldives Private Limited – contributions to construction and architecture
• Arushad Ahmed – contributions to communications and information technology
• Aishath Naura – contributions to sports
• Ismail Abdul Ghafoor – contributions to visual arts

The award was also conferred posthumously on the late Ihusan Abdul Ghanee, popularly known as ‘Saanthi’, for his contributions to Maldivian football, particularly in player training and coaching.

Ihusan began his sporting career as a midfielder for Majeediyya School and Youth Sports Club before moving into coaching. He served as assistant coach when the Maldives held South Korea to a historic draw in 2004.

He was also the senior assistant coach when the Maldives won the SAFF Championship for the first time in 2008. In 2018, when the Maldives secured the championship for a second time, he served as Technical Director of the Football Association of Maldives.

At club level, he played a key role in developing young players at Club Eagles and guided the team to victory in the 2016 President’s Cup.

Ihusan conducted coaching camps across the country, identified young talent from the atolls and helped develop players who went on to represent Maldivian football.

He died on 22 March 2025.

The National Awards Committee selected the recipients of the National Awards. Recipients of the National Award of Recognition received a plaque and commemorative certificate.