India strengthens education ties with Nigeria, advocates global gender equality
The High Commission of India in Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender equality and deepening bilateral ties with Nigeria through an outreach event marking the 2025 United Nations International Day of the Girl Child.
The event, held at Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse, Abuja, brought together key officials, students, and representatives of Indian companies operating in Nigeria.
Abhishek Singh, High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, presented 2,000 gift packs to students in a gesture symbolising India’s support for girls’ empowerment and education.
He emphasised the global significance of the International Day of the Girl Child and called for collective efforts to amplify the voices, rights, and dreams of girls not only in Nigeria or India but across the world.
In his remarks, Singh highlighted the enduring friendship between India and Nigeria, rooted in strong people-to-people ties, a shared colonial past, and mutual aspirations for sustainable development.
He pointed to India’s transformative initiatives such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) as models of action that have elevated women’s participation in national development.
He noted that India, now the world’s fourth-largest economy, continues to witness remarkable growth in women’s inclusion across all sectors. Women’s participation in the workforce has risen from 22% in 2017–18 to 40.3% in 2023–24, with women contributing 18% to India’s GDP — a figure that continues to rise. India, he added, also boasts the highest number of female commercial pilots globally, reflecting growing female leadership in various professions.
Singh reiterated India’s willingness to share its experiences and best practices with partners like Nigeria, commending the Nigerian government’s efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to economically empower women, expand social protection, and boost women’s political participation.
He further stressed the importance of harnessing Nigeria’s demographic advantage, noting that over 70% of the country’s population is under 30 years old and 42% is under 15, making Nigeria one of the youngest nations in the world.
The High Commissioner acknowledged the rising influence of Nigeria in the global arena, particularly within the Global South, and applauded the vital contributions of Nigerian women to national development.
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He also recognised the efforts of Indian companies operating in Nigeria, noting that they are the second-largest employers of Nigerians after the federal government, with over 200 firms collectively investing more than US$27 billion in the country.
Highlighting their strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) credentials, Singh thanked Indian firms for their continued partnership in social initiatives.
Singh urged young girls to dream big, work hard, and pursue excellence in their chosen paths. Quoting Narendra Modi, Indian Prime Minister, he said, “When a girl rises, a family grows and a nation shines.”
