India has offered to share with Nigeria the strategies and experiences that have contributed to the success of Indian women in politics, business, and national development.
The Indian High Commissioner Designate to Nigeria, Ambassador Abhishek Singh, made the offer on Thursday during a ceremony to mark the International Day of the Girl Child at the Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse, Abuja, where he presented 2,000 gift packs to students.
Ambassador Singh said India was ready to collaborate with Nigeria in advancing women’s empowerment and inclusive growth, commending the Nigerian government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for its focus on economic empowerment, social protection, and increased female participation in governance.
“India is willing to share its experiences with partners like Nigeria. We appreciate the dynamic efforts underway for women’s empowerment and inclusive development,” he said.
Highlighting Nigeria’s youthful population, the envoy noted that 70% of Nigerians are under 30 years old, with a median age of just 18.1 years. He said this demographic strength must be harnessed to build a sustainable and prosperous future.
Singh also praised the contributions of Nigerian women to national development and recognised India’s growing economic partnership with Nigeria. He revealed that Indian companies are the second-largest employers of Nigerians after the Federal Government, with over 200 firms investing more than $27 billion in the country.
The envoy commended Indian firms in Nigeria for their strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) record and their support for education, health, and women’s empowerment.
Speaking on the significance of the International Day of the Girl Child, Singh described educating the girl child as “the most noble cause,” stressing that empowering girls is key to achieving prosperity and stability.
“When you educate the girl child, you build the future. Happiness at home leads to happiness in society, and you are the source of that happiness,” he told the students.
He noted that women in India occupy the highest political offices and contribute significantly to the country’s economy, adding that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has prioritised equal opportunities for girls and women.
“We are all in safe hands with women in leadership because they bring empathy, compassion, and strength to governance,” Singh said, quoting Prime Minister Modi: “When a girl rises, a family grows and a nation shines.”
The High Commissioner reaffirmed India’s commitment to promoting gender equality and women-led development both domestically and internationally.
The Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Mohammed Sani Ladan, lauded the Indian High Commission for its support, pledging the board’s continued commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for girls to thrive.
“To every girl in our schools — you are seen, you are valued, and you are unstoppable. Keep dreaming boldly and striving fearlessly; the world needs your voice,” Ladan said.
Indian companies in Nigeria also pledged to expand their collaboration with the Education Board to support more empowerment projects across the country.
“We look forward to working with the Education Board to replicate initiatives like this in schools across all states in Nigeria,” the companies stated.
