President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has conferred the honour of Order of the Dignified Rule of the Dhiyamigili Dynasty (ODRDD) on Adam Abdul Rahman in recognition of more than 42 years of service to the Maldives. The honour was presented during the official National Day function held this morning in Haa Alifu Utheemu.

Adam Abdul Rahman, widely known by his popular name Utheemu Adambe, began his public service on 26 August 1965 as the Utheemu Island Chief. He held this position for over 15 years before serving as Assistant to the Atoll Chief. Over the course of his career, he fulfilled this responsibility on three separate occasions, dedicating more than 11 years to the atoll. His tenure as Island Chief coincided with a period of hardship for the island, when limited resources and difficult living conditions posed severe challenges. During the 1970s, he played a significant role in addressing the difficulties related to access to food staples in the atolls, an issue that was eventually resolved through perseverance and collective effort.

During the period when the Ministry of Atolls Administration implemented development projects, materials were transported from Malé to the islands and workers were paid directly. It was Adam Abdul Rahman who proposed that this process be revised so projects could be carried out on a contractual basis. Acting upon his recommendation, the Minister of the time amended the rule, which enabled projects to be conducted with greater efficiency.

His contributions also included initiatives to expand administrative services within the atolls and islands, which until then had been limited to Malé. This effort brought essential services closer to the people and enhanced his reputation as an approachable and attentive official. He became well regarded for his sincerity and his willingness to listen to grievances, striving to resolve issues within the means available.

Following his service in North Thiladhunmathi Atoll, Adam Abdul Rahman spent more than three years as the Mudīr of the Boduthakurufaanu Memorial Centre. In that position, he placed particular importance on preserving the Memorial Centre as a historical monument of lasting value. He later served as Director of the Ministry of Education’s internal educational institutions, further extending his contribution to national development.

In addition to his administrative career, Adam Abdul Rahman has made distinguished contributions to the field of Dhivehi language and literature. Acknowledged as a leading literary figure, he is recognised as a writer, storyteller and poet. In 2004, he received the National Award for Public Service for his contribution to poetry, and in 2016 he was presented with the National Award of Recognition for his outstanding contributions in the field of Dhivehi Language and Literature.