The Chief Executive Officer of the Botswana Geoscience Institute (BGI) Mr. Tiyapo H. Ngwisanyi, has been conferred with Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon by the Embassy of Japan. This Awards was presented.
The conferment took place on the 26th of January, 2021 at the Embassy of Japan in Gaborone by the Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan, Fujino Yuka, Among those who came to witness the ceremony were the Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology Lefoko M. Moagi, BGI Board Chairman Professor Motsoptse Modisi, BGI Marketing and Communications Manager Mr. James B. Molosankwe as well as officials from the Embassy of Japan.
Mr Ngwisanyi had over the years contributed to building and strengthening the bilateral relationship between Japan and Botswana, as well as Southern Africa at large, through the promotion of the transfer of technology, academic exchanges, and mutual understanding in the mineral sector.
In his acceptance speech, Ngwisanyi expressed his gratitude to the Government of Japan for awarding him with the decoration. He also thanked BGI Employees, Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) Botswana office, the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, and the geoscience professionals in the SADC National Geological Survey Organisations for the enormous support that they extended to him.
He stated that the Geological Remote Sensing Centre (GRSC), which was established together with JOGMEC in Botswana to facilitate the transfer of geological remote sensing technique to SADC countries, created the linkages, collaborations, and partnerships amongst SADC countries.
Minister Moagi described the conferment as a landmark achievement through a 14-year collaborative relationship championed by BGI, under the leadership of Ngwisanyi.