At a special function held this morning at the President’s Office, President Mohamed Nasheed has conferred ‘State Dignitary’ title on Mr Mohamed Umar Maniku and Mr Champaa Hussain Afeef, in recognition of their invaluable service to the state.

This is the first time the government has conferred the title on individuals recognising their services outside the government.

Speaking at the function, the President said as State was an expansive concept in the new Constitution, it was important to recognise the contributions by individuals to the state.

The President said both Mr Umar Maniku and Mr Afeef have made immense contributions to the development of the Maldives, especially in the tourism sector.

Mr Umar Maniku and Mr Afeef are among the pioneers of Maldives tourism industry.

After receiving the title, the Mr Maniku and Mr Afeef thanked the government for recognising their work adding the recognition was a “great encouragement”.