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Nigeria’s High Commissioner-designate to India, Ambassador Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, has formally assumed duty in New Delhi with a pledge to strengthen economic diplomacy, deepen bilateral trade and investment, and run an inclusive mission that accommodates all Nigerians in India.
The envoy, who arrived in the Indian capital on Thursday alongside his wife, Mrs. Rukayya SD Muhammad, was received at the Indira Gandhi International Airport by officials of the Nigerian High Commission, representatives of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, members of the Nigerian community and several African heads of mission accredited to India.
Shortly after his arrival, Muhammad held separate engagements with officials of the Nigerian High Commission and representatives of the Nigerian community, outlining his vision for the mission and reaffirming his commitment to advancing the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and India.
He described his posting as a homecoming of sorts, recalling that India had played a significant role in his diplomatic career, reports Sunday Guardian.
“This is my eighth visit to India,” he said, noting that he first came to the country 19 years ago as a young foreign service officer to write his first promotion examination.
He explained that subsequent visits took him to India for regional meetings, promotion examinations and official assignments before his latest appointment as Nigeria’s substantive High Commissioner.
Muhammad said his administration would be guided by consultation, teamwork and openness, assuring embassy staff and Nigerians resident in India that no one would be excluded from the mission’s activities.
“I can assure you that nobody is going to be left out in terms of working relationship,” he said.
Echoing a phrase made popular by former President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he described as a mentor and father figure, the envoy declared: “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.”
The ambassador urged Nigerians living and studying in India to remain optimistic and confident in pursuing their aspirations, stressing that success begins with the right mindset.
Quoting from The State of Mind, he reminded members of the community that achievement is driven as much by self-belief as by ability.
Muhammad said one of his major priorities would be expanding economic cooperation between Nigeria and India through increased trade, investment and stronger commercial partnerships.
He expressed optimism that both countries could build on their longstanding cordial relations to achieve a more favourable balance of trade while attracting greater investment into Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of Nigerians resident in India, President of the All India Nigeria-India Students and Community Association (AINSCA), Hilary Okeke, welcomed the new High Commissioner and expressed confidence in his leadership.
Okeke said the Nigerian community had eagerly awaited Muhammad’s arrival and prayed that God would grant him the wisdom and strength to succeed in his assignment.
He also commended officials of the Nigerian High Commission for their continued support to Nigerian students and other members of the community, describing the mission as consistently responsive to their welfare and concerns.
