President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has this evening presented the Order of the Dignified Rule of the Muleege Dynasty and the Order of the Dignified Rule of the Dhiyamigili Dynasty to two honourees. He presented the laurels at a special function held to commemorate National Unity Day at the Republic Square.

Ibrahim Ismail Ali is the recipient of the Order of the Dignified Rule of the Muleege Dynasty, while President Solih bestowed the Order of the Dignified Rule of the Dhiyamigili Dynasty upon Badru Naseer. The Dignified Rule of the Muleege Dynasty commemorates the rule of Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddin.

Ibrahim Ismail Ali is heralded for his achievements in sports and contributions to developing the sector. He joined public service on August 26, 1970, at the Ministry of Health. Since then, he had served in numerous positions in the Government, while attaining higher education in teaching and educational management from Australia, India and the United States of America.

Famed for his accomplishments as a football player, Ibrahim Ismail Ali was named the Best Midfield Player for eight years; in 1970 and 1976 to 1982, consecutively. He also played for the National Football Team – was the first Captain of the team – and is a decorated referee of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). He also contributed to the development of sports as a member of the Maldives Olympic Committee and the Football Association of Maldives.

Some of his other achievements include the Indian Ocean Island Games Award, which he received in 2012, and is a recipient of the Olympic Council of Asia Sports Award in 2013. For his contributions in the field, Ibrahim Ismail Ali was presented with the National Award of Recognition in 1982, followed by the National Award of Honour in 2007.

The Order of the Dignified Rule of the Dhiyamigili Dynasty, presented to Badru Naseer this evening, commemorates Sultan Muhammad Ghiyasuddin. Badru Naseer, who served in the broadcast sector for over 40 years, joined the service on June 19, 1967, as an operator. Since then, he has completed numerous training programmes in production and presenting in Singapore, the Netherlands and Australia – he is the first Maldivian to achieve higher education in radio broadcasting from abroad.

During his long career in the field, Badru Naseer has contributed immensely to radio broadcasting development. As such, his role was instrumental in developing programmes of Radio Maldives in 1980 and the project to enhance radio coverage across the country. On May 28, 1995, Badru Naseer moved to the private sector, after 28-years of service. However, on October 5, 2004, he returned to his old post of Director General at Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu – and is noted for his contributions to the introduction of community radio services. He retired from his position in 2011 but served as the Maldives Broadcasting Commission president for three consecutive years until his retirement in 2013.