President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has conferred Lieutenant General (Retired) Abdul Sattar Adam with the Most Honourable Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzudheen and Major General (Retired) Adam Zahir with the Order of Distinguished Army Service.

They were conferred with the Awards during a special function held tonight at Kalhuthukkalaa Koshi to mark the 125th Anniversary of the Maldives National Defence Force.

The Most Honourable Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzudheen was conferred to Lieutenant General (Rtd.) Abdul Sattar Adam for his outstanding military service to the Nation and its people and to commemorate his selfless actions in protecting national sovereignty.

The Order of Distinguished Army Service was conferred to Major General (Rtd.) Adam Zahir for his exceptional military services in protecting national peace and harmony.

Lieutenant General Abdul Sattar Adam began his national service on 24th August 1966 as a clerk at the Ministry of Education. He served the State, uninterrupted, for 42 years; having served with the Maldives National Defence Force the longest. The Lieutenant General notably served under the guidance of the Chief of the Defence Force and his services include, promoting bilateral relationships between Maldivian and army forces of other countries and seeking international training opportunities for Maldivian soldiers. His is commendable in his services towards moulding capable, skilled, disciplined and compassionate, service people of integrity.

Lieutenant General (Rtd.) Abdul Sattar Adam’s highest service to the Nation was his brave actions during 3rd November 1988 in defence of nation, faith and lives of the public, when Maldives was attacked by foreign mercenaries.

Major General (Rtd.) Adam Zahir has served the nation for more than 34 years at different ranks of the National Defence Force; having served as Commissioner of Police for 25 years.

Major General Adam Zahir displayed exemplary loyalty during his term as the Commissioner of the Police. His highest service to the Nation was on 3rd November 1988 during the attack by foreign mercenaries when he secured the main gate of the National Defence Force headquarters in defence of nation, faith and lives of the public.

During his service as Commissioner of Police, Major General (Rtd.) Adam Zahir’s visionary leadership introduced the Maldives Police Service as we know it today.