By Zainab Bakare
The High Commission of India in Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening engagement with Nigerian media professionals, describing the press as a vital pillar of democracy and accountability.
The mission made this known during a free eye care camp organised for journalists in partnership with Skipper IQ Eye Hospital, where participants received complimentary eye examinations and medical consultations.
Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, said the initiative followed a request from the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) during a recent engagement at the India House.
He described the media as an essential institution in democratic governance, noting that journalists play a critical role in ensuring accountability, transparency, and balanced information flow.
“As the representative of the world’s largest democracy in Africa’s largest democracy, the media remains an important pillar of democratic governance and checks and balances,” he said.
Singh added that consistent engagement with journalists remains central to India’s diplomatic relations in Nigeria, pledging continued collaboration on capacity building and welfare initiatives.
He also emphasized that good eyesight is essential for journalists, given their role in observing, reporting, and interpreting events for society.
Chairman of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN), Frederick Idehai, commended the Indian High Commission for what he described as a landmark intervention in journalists’ welfare.
He said the initiative fulfilled part of his commitment to improving members’ welfare through partnerships with diplomatic missions and other stakeholders.
Idehai noted that the eye care programme was the first medical outreach organised specifically for the association by an embassy, describing it as a historic milestone.
He added that DICAN would continue to engage diplomatic missions to secure more opportunities for training, equipment support, and welfare development for journalists.
The initiative reflects growing India–Nigeria media cooperation and highlights shared efforts to support a healthier and more professional media environment.
