Ambassador Abhishek Singh, the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, generously presented over 2,000 gift packages to students at Government Girls Secondary School in Dutse, located within the Federal Capital Territory, in celebration of the United Nations International Day of the Girl Child.
This occasion marked Ambassador Singh’s inaugural public engagement since his arrival in Nigeria and symbolized India’s ongoing dedication to advancing gender equality, empowering women, and fostering women-led progress both domestically and internationally.
The ambassador emphasized that this nigeria-cracks-down-terrorism-financiers-cds-musa/” title=”CDS Musa: …n Government Intensifies Hunt for Terrorism Financiers”>initiative forms part of his wider mission to deepen cultural and social connections between the peoples of India and Nigeria.
“Aligned with the United Nations’ 2025 theme for the International Day of the Girl Child, this year’s observance highlights the critical importance of investing in girls‘ rights and opportunities to build a fairer and more promising future,” Ambassador Singh remarked.
He drew attention to India’s remarkable economic ascent as the world’s fourth-largest economy and the expanding role of women across various industries. By spotlighting female leaders, he encouraged young girls to envision ambitious goals and pursue them with determination.
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the envoy stated, “When a girl rises, a family grows and a nation shines.” He further revealed that women’s participation in India’s workforce surged from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24, with women now contributing 18% to the country’s GDP-a figure that continues to rise steadily.
Recognizing the indispensable influence of girls in building inclusive communities, the High Commissioner stressed the necessity of investing in their health, education, and overall welfare. He also expressed sincere appreciation to local government officials and Indian enterprises in Nigeria whose collaboration was instrumental in the event’s success.
Dr. Mohammed Sani Ladan, Director of the FCT Education Board, praised the High Commissioner’s initiative, stating, “This act underscores the significance of the girl child and affirms that girls can excel and be dependable in any professional field.”
Additionally, Dr. Fatima Mohammed, principal of the school, conveyed her gratitude to Ambassador Singh, noting that the gesture reflects India’s strong commitment to promoting education for girls.
