Abuja is buzzing with excitement as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Nigeria, marking his first visit in 17 years. Streets are adorned with posters and hoardings, reflecting the warm welcome from the Indian diaspora.
Dimple Alimchandani, who has lived in Nigeria for 25 years, expressed her joy:
“PM Modi is our role model. Meeting him is a dream come true. We are thrilled to welcome him to Nigeria.”
Sivakumar from Lagos called this visit a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity:
“We are eager to meet PM Modi. It’s a proud moment for all of us.”
Restaurant owner Rajendran echoed the sentiment:
“The entire community is excited. This visit reinforces the bond between India and Nigeria.”
In his statement before departure, PM Modi emphasized the significance of the visit, highlighting Nigeria’s role as a key partner in West Africa.
“My visit aims to bolster our Strategic Partnership rooted in democracy and pluralism,” he noted.
PM Modi is also set to interact with the Indian community in Nigeria, which has eagerly anticipated this moment. His visit is expected to further strengthen the ties between the two nations.
This visit underscores the growing partnership between India and Nigeria, marking a new chapter in their bilateral relations.