Dr. Latheef, Mohamed Moosa, Afeef and Ibrahim conferred Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has conferred the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (O.D.R.I) upon four individuals for decades of exemplary public service.

The honor was presented to former education minister Dr. Mohamed Latheef, Islamic scholar Ibrahim Rasheed Moosa, and business magnates Champa Hussain Afeef and Mohamed Moosa (Uchu) during an official ceremony on Sunday morning to mark the Maldives’ 61st Independence Day.

Latheef was honored for over four decades of public service, with the greater part of his distinguished career dedicated to advancing the Maldives' education sector.

He is credited with playing an instrumental role in modernizing the national education system, expanding access to higher education, and strengthening educational institutions across the country.

He served in several of the state's highest offices, including as education minister.

Ibrahim is a renowned Islamic scholar who has devoted decades to serving the Maldives through religious education, scholarship and public service. He is widely recognized for his lifelong efforts to promote Islamic awareness, teach religious knowledge and author numerous works on Islam.

Meanwhile, Afeef was honored for pioneering the Maldivian tourism industry. His current aim is to expand tourism in southern Maldives.

His brother, Mohamed Moosa was honored for decades of service in the field of tourism, construction and banking, and well as his philanthropy.

Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin is the highest state honor conferred upon civilians.