Muhammad Assumes Duty In India, Pledges Stronger Nigeria-India Ties

Nigeria’s High Commissioner-designate to India, Ambassador Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, has arrived in New Delhi to commence his diplomatic assignment.

Muhammad, who arrived in India with his spouse, Mrs Rukayya Muhammad, on Thursday, 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.

The envoy later met with staff of the Nigerian High Commission and representatives of the Nigerian community in India.

He pledged an inclusive approach as he seeks to strengthen relations between Nigeria and India.

Muhammad said his posting to India represented a return to a country with which he had maintained a long association.

“This is my eighth time in India,” he said, recalling that he first visited the country 19 years ago as a young Nigerian diplomat preparing for his first promotion examination.

“Coincidentally, 19 years ago I was here as a young officer writing for my first promotion exams overseas, which I am happy again to have come back for the second time in 2009 again for another promotion exam,” he said.

The ambassador said he had subsequently returned to India on several occasions for regional meetings and other official engagements.

“Twice I came for the regional IPPIS verification exercise, again for exams, again in 2010, 2012 and 2015. And today, by the special grace of Almighty Allah, I have assumed duty here as substantive Nigerian High Commissioner to the Republic of India,” he said.

Muhammad assured embassy staff and members of the Nigerian community that his tenure would be marked by consultation, engagement and inclusiveness.

“The only thing I can say to you is that I can assure you that nobody is going to be left out in terms of working relationship,” he said.

Borrowing a phrase from former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he described as a late mentor and father figure, Muhammad said: “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.”

“So, it all depends on where you are, what you are, who you are, where you want to go.” he said.

The high commissioner-designate also urged Nigerians in India to maintain a positive outlook and a strong sense of self-belief, quoting from a poem titled The State of Mind by an Iranian poet, DS Sethi.

“Whatever you do in life is dependent on the state of mind,” he said.

“If you think you are beaten, you are. But if you think you dare not, you don’t. If you would like to win, but think you can’t, it’s almost certain you won’t,” Muhammad quoted.

“If you think you’re outclassed, you are. You’ve got to think high to rise. You’ve got to be sure of yourself before you can ever win a prize. It’s all in your state of mind. Life battle don’t go the stronger or faster man, but the man who wins is the man think he can ” he said.

Muhammad said Nigeria and India enjoyed longstanding cordial relations and expressed his determination to contribute to the further strengthening of bilateral ties during his tenure. Especially, bilateral trade relations between both countries. Hoping to increase and achieve a favourable balance of trade and investment opportunities.

Hilary Okeke, President of the All India Nigeria-India Students and Community Association (AINSCA), welcomed the ambassador on behalf of the Nigerian community and students.

“We pray that God Almighty will give you the help and also give you the wisdom to help us, because we are all your children,” Okeke said.

“We are very happy that you are here. We have been expecting you for a very, very long time. So, it’s our honour to be here with you,” he added.

Okeke also expressed appreciation to officials of the Nigerian High Commission for their support to Nigerians living and studying in India.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank all the staff of the Nigerian High Commission who have always been here with us, both the students and the community members. Anytime we have an issue, the doors are always open to us,” he said.