ITEC Day 2023: Nigeria, India Agree To Foster Existing Relations
Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
Reports say devloping countries around the world need expertise in technological know how for economic growth.
This Technical assistance is what the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), is providing to countries across the world including Nigeria as a means of deepening bonds of friendship and cooperation with its partner countries.
According to the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Shri Balasubramanian, at the ITEC day 2023 celebration in Abuja, the training Programme which is demand-driven and subjects selected area of interest to partner countries for their working professionals on a wide range of skills and disciplines such as leadership, information technology, agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, Defence among others has trained about 200,000 officials from over 160 countries
He explained that the programme was one of the ways of fostering cooperation among partner countries, especially, bilateral relations between India and Nigeria, saying there is need for both countries to continue to explore areas of mutual interest.
The Indian High Commissioner, opined that the knowledge and skills acquired through ITEC have not only enhanced the capabilities of individuals but has also contributed to the development and progress of Nigeria.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu expressed Nigeria’s willingness to deepen cooperation with India, especially with the present President Bola Tinubu led administration’s robust engagements at the just concluded G20 summit in India and commended India for sustaining the laudable initiative over the years.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, represented by the Director Region, Ambassador Janet Olisa, appreciated the Indian government for itd commitment to nurturing global partnerships and extending a hand of friendship to countries around the world especially Nigeria, which the minister notes the relationship dates back to 1961.
Some Nigerian beneficiaries of the ITEC programme including a journalist, Mrs Patricia Lumba, a teacher, Mr Olasunkanmi Opeifaa, among others gave testimonies about how the programme assisted them impact lives through their profession.
