Abuja, Nigeria: The vibrant colours, rhythms and flavours of India came alive in Abuja on Sunday as the Indian Cultural Association (ICA) Abuja, in collaboration with the Indian Women Empowerment Association (IWEA) and the High Commission of India in Abuja, hosted the 2026 edition of Dandiya Nite.&nbsp;The cultural fiesta, held at the Chancery premises of the High Commission of India to Nigeria, brought together members of the Indian community, Heads of Missions, Nigerian dignitaries and friends of India for an evening of traditional dance, music and cuisine.&nbsp;Tagged “Dance, Celebrate, Connect,” Dandiya Nite ’26 is a social gathering that celebrates the spirit of Navratri, a major Hindu festival, with the energetic Dandiya Raas and Garba dances performed with colourful decorated sticks.&nbsp;The event, which commenced at 6:30 pm, lived up to its promise of a vibrant night filled with rhythm, festive spirit, friendship and unforgettable memories. Guests turned out in colourful traditional attire, dancing the night away to the beat of drums and folk music.&nbsp;The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Abhishek Singh, received guests and took part in the celebrations, underscoring the High Commission’s commitment to promoting cultural ties between India and Nigeria.&nbsp;Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the significance of Navratri and commended ICA and IWEA for their joint efforts in promoting cultural traditions and community engagement. He also underscored the contribution of the Indian diaspora, comprising over 60,000 people, to Nigeria’s economic and social development, describing the community as a bridge between the two countries.&nbsp;The High Commissioner stressed the importance of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges in strengthening the longstanding and cordial relations between India and Nigeria. He encouraged the community to continue promoting Indian culture and to keep welcoming Nigerian friends to Indian festivals.&nbsp;According to the organisers, Dandiya sticks were provided for all participants, while Indian food stalls were on hand to keep energy levels high with authentic delicacies including samosas and other traditional delights.&nbsp;A major highlight of the night was the award ceremony for Best Dressed and Best Dancers, which encouraged participants to showcase their creativity and dancing prowess.&nbsp;Speaking at the event, organisers from ICA Abuja said the celebration was aimed at bringing the community together with energy, enthusiasm and the true spirit of Navratri, while also sharing Indian culture with the Nigerian community.&nbsp;The event reaffirmed the Indian diaspora’s role in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the bonds of friendship between the peoples of India and Nigeria, ending with cheers for togetherness, cultural pride and strengthened Indo-Nigerian friendship.

The cultural fiesta, held at the Chancery premises of the High Commission of India to Nigeria, brought together members of the Indian community, Heads of Missions, Nigerian dignitaries and friends of India for an evening of traditional dance, music and cuisine.

Abuja, Nigeria: The vibrant colours, rhythms and flavours of India came alive in Abuja on Sunday as the Indian Cultural Association (ICA) Abuja, in collaboration with the Indian Women Empowerment Association (IWEA) and the High Commission of India in Abuja, hosted the 2026 edition of Dandiya Nite. The cultural fiesta, held at the Chancery premises of the High Commission of India to Nigeria, brought together members of the Indian community, Heads of Missions, Nigerian dignitaries and friends of India for an evening of traditional dance, music and cuisine. Tagged “Dance, Celebrate, Connect,” Dandiya Nite ’26 is a social gathering that celebrates the spirit of Navratri, a major Hindu festival, with the energetic Dandiya Raas and Garba dances performed with colourful decorated sticks. The event, which commenced at 6:30 pm, lived up to its promise of a vibrant night filled with rhythm, festive spirit, friendship and unforgettable memories. Guests turned out in colourful traditional attire, dancing the night away to the beat of drums and folk music. The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Abhishek Singh, received guests and took part in the celebrations, underscoring the High Commission’s commitment to promoting cultural ties between India and Nigeria. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the significance of Navratri and commended ICA and IWEA for their joint efforts in promoting cultural traditions and community engagement. He also underscored the contribution of the Indian diaspora, comprising over 60,000 people, to Nigeria’s economic and social development, describing the community as a bridge between the two countries. The High Commissioner stressed the importance of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges in strengthening the longstanding and cordial relations between India and Nigeria. He encouraged the community to continue promoting Indian culture and to keep welcoming Nigerian friends to Indian festivals. According to the organisers, Dandiya sticks were provided for all participants, while Indian food stalls were on hand to keep energy levels high with authentic delicacies including samosas and other traditional delights. A major highlight of the night was the award ceremony for Best Dressed and Best Dancers, which encouraged participants to showcase their creativity and dancing prowess. Speaking at the event, organisers from ICA Abuja said the celebration was aimed at bringing the community together with energy, enthusiasm and the true spirit of Navratri, while also sharing Indian culture with the Nigerian community. The event reaffirmed the Indian diaspora’s role in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the bonds of friendship between the peoples of India and Nigeria, ending with cheers for togetherness, cultural pride and strengthened Indo-Nigerian friendship.

The cultural fiesta, held at the Chancery premises of the High Commission of India to Nigeria, brought together members of the Indian community, Heads of Missions, Nigerian dignitaries and friends of India for an evening of traditional dance, music and cuisine.

Dandiya Nite ’26: Indian High Commissioner hails diaspora as bridge between India and Nigeria

Nigeria's High Commissioner to India, Ambassador Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, has disclosed that he recently visited correctional facilities across India and held direct interactions with 198 Nigerian citizens in detention as part of efforts to strengthen what he described as Nigeria's citizen-centred diplomacy.&nbsp;Speaking during an interactive session with diplomatic correspondents in New Delhi, where journalists had gathered to cover the 2026 BRICS Summit, Muhammad said the visits were aimed at understanding the welfare and concerns of Nigerians incarcerated in India. According to the envoy, he visited several correctional centres, including facilities housing 16, more than 70, and over 50 Nigerian inmates, as well as 19 women and girls in detention. In total, the mission interacted directly with 198 Nigerians over a three-day period. "This is to show that our government is concerned about its citizens. We call it citizen-centred diplomacy," Muhammad said. He explained that during the visits, detainees raised concerns ranging from alleged maltreatment and racial discrimination to limited access to legal representation, delays in court proceedings and inadequate medical attention.&nbsp;The High Commissioner said he immediately engaged prison authorities on the issues raised and found that many of the challenges stemmed from prolonged investigations and delays within the judicial process rather than the conduct of prison officials. "We realised that prison officials were generally cooperative, but many detainees are awaiting trial and the judicial process takes time," he said. Muhammad stressed that the mission had sought to bridge communication gaps by engaging relevant authorities and advocating for the rights of Nigerian citizens. He emphasised that regardless of the allegations against detainees, their fundamental human rights must be respected. "Universal principles require that all human beings be treated fairly. Their fundamental rights must not be abused, distorted or violated in any way, and their welfare must be taken care of," he stated.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/nigeria-s-president-offers-condolences-to-tanzania-s-first-lady-1788885313344">Nigeria's president offers condolences to Tanzania's first lady</a>&nbsp;The envoy said the mission submitted a detailed report to Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlining the concerns raised during the visits and recommending actions to address them. According to him, the report received prompt attention from Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who expressed appreciation for the mission's efforts and pledged to elevate the issues to the highest levels of government. Muhammad said the initiative reflects Nigeria's commitment to ensuring that citizens abroad remain connected to their country, even when facing legal challenges. "Nigeria remembers them. That is why we are going there," he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nigeria-boko-haram-truce-could-be-extended-40-days-1788946508093">Nigeria-Boko Haram truce could be extended 40 days</a>&nbsp;The High Commissioner also revealed that since assuming office seven weeks ago, he has sent an average of one dispatch per week to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while keeping senior officials informed of developments involving Nigerians in India. He noted that the mission has strengthened engagement with the Nigerian community, encouraging community leaders and organisations to bring their concerns directly to the High Commission.&nbsp;"We have told them that this mission is open to them. They can come here with their concerns and activities. We use those opportunities to advise them, caution them where necessary and address legitimate complaints," he said.&nbsp;Muhammad acknowledged operational challenges, particularly funding constraints, given India's vast size and population of more than 1.4 billion people. He said the mission lacks the resources to establish consular offices across the country but remains committed to reaching Nigerians wherever they reside. "We should have the capacity to go out and reach our people, so they know that we are here for them," he said. He added that despite resource limitations, the mission remains focused on serving Nigerians in India and strengthening bilateral relations through people-to-people engagement.

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India, Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, has visited Indian correctional facilities and met 198 Nigerian detainees over three days. He said the mission was addressing concerns including legal delays, alleged maltreatment, discrimination and access to medical care.

Nigeria's High Commissioner to India, Ambassador Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, has disclosed that he recently visited correctional facilities across India and held direct interactions with 198 Nigerian citizens in detention as part of efforts to strengthen what he described as Nigeria's citizen-centred diplomacy. Speaking during an interactive session with diplomatic correspondents in New Delhi, where journalists had gathered to cover the 2026 BRICS Summit, Muhammad said the visits were aimed at understanding the welfare and concerns of Nigerians incarcerated in India. According to the envoy, he visited several correctional centres, including facilities housing 16, more than 70, and over 50 Nigerian inmates, as well as 19 women and girls in detention. In total, the mission interacted directly with 198 Nigerians over a three-day period. "This is to show that our government is concerned about its citizens. We call it citizen-centred diplomacy," Muhammad said. He explained that during the visits, detainees raised concerns ranging from alleged maltreatment and racial discrimination to limited access to legal representation, delays in court proceedings and inadequate medical attention. The High Commissioner said he immediately engaged prison authorities on the issues raised and found that many of the challenges stemmed from prolonged investigations and delays within the judicial process rather than the conduct of prison officials. "We realised that prison officials were generally cooperative, but many detainees are awaiting trial and the judicial process takes time," he said. Muhammad stressed that the mission had sought to bridge communication gaps by engaging relevant authorities and advocating for the rights of Nigerian citizens. He emphasised that regardless of the allegations against detainees, their fundamental human rights must be respected. "Universal principles require that all human beings be treated fairly. Their fundamental rights must not be abused, distorted or violated in any way, and their welfare must be taken care of," he stated. Also Read: Nigeria's president offers condolences to Tanzania's first lady The envoy said the mission submitted a detailed report to Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlining the concerns raised during the visits and recommending actions to address them. According to him, the report received prompt attention from Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who expressed appreciation for the mission's efforts and pledged to elevate the issues to the highest levels of government. Muhammad said the initiative reflects Nigeria's commitment to ensuring that citizens abroad remain connected to their country, even when facing legal challenges. "Nigeria remembers them. That is why we are going there," he said. Also Read: Nigeria-Boko Haram truce could be extended 40 days The High Commissioner also revealed that since assuming office seven weeks ago, he has sent an average of one dispatch per week to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while keeping senior officials informed of developments involving Nigerians in India. He noted that the mission has strengthened engagement with the Nigerian community, encouraging community leaders and organisations to bring their concerns directly to the High Commission. "We have told them that this mission is open to them. They can come here with their concerns and activities. We use those opportunities to advise them, caution them where necessary and address legitimate complaints," he said. Muhammad acknowledged operational challenges, particularly funding constraints, given India's vast size and population of more than 1.4 billion people. He said the mission lacks the resources to establish consular offices across the country but remains committed to reaching Nigerians wherever they reside. "We should have the capacity to go out and reach our people, so they know that we are here for them," he said. He added that despite resource limitations, the mission remains focused on serving Nigerians in India and strengthening bilateral relations through people-to-people engagement.

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India, Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, has visited Indian correctional facilities and met 198 Nigerian detainees over three days. He said the mission was addressing concerns including legal delays, alleged maltreatment, discrimination and access to medical care.

Nigerian envoy visits 198 citizens in Indian prisons, pushes citizen-centred diplomacy

Envoys from African nations&nbsp;have condemned the Indian government for not taking &quot;known, sufficient and visible&quot; action against those who assaulted Nigerian students in northern India last week.

Calling it a &quot;xenophobic and racial&quot; attack, the African Heads of Mission said the incident was &quot;not sufficiently condemned by the Indian authorities&quot; and have called for an independent investigation by the United Nation&#39;s Human Rights Council, Indian media reports suggested.

The Indian government defended its position, saying:&nbsp;&quot;It is unfortunate that a criminal act triggered following the untimely death of a young Indian student under suspicious circumstances has been termed as xenophobic and racial.&rdquo;

India&#39;s ministery of external affairs also said that the investigations &quot;on the death of Indian teenager and the subsequent incident by local authorities are ongoing.&nbsp;The Government had condemned and described as unacceptable the incident of attack on a few Nigerian nationals in Greater Noida.&quot;

India&#39;s external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj has also promised for an &quot;impartial&quot; inquiry, though African envoys say the response is inadequate.

Multiple attacks on African students were reported from Greater Noida, 18 miles off central Delhi.

Nine Nigerians were attacked, including five who were wounded and two who were hospitalised with undisclosed injuries.

Attacks on Nigerians began when an Indian teenager died after taking drugs supplied by them.

The local administration in Greater Noida have dismissed claims of the attacks being racial in nature.

&quot;It is absolutely not a hate crime, nor&nbsp;is it some kind of anger against a race. A few people have spread rumours regarding the death of a youth which gave rise to anger. The incident happened in continuity of that,&quot; district magistrate Nagendra Prasad Singh said.

(WION)

The chiefs of missions of 43 African countries say the attacks were 'xenophobic, racial', & not sufficiently condemned by Indian authorities

Envoys from African nations have condemned the Indian government for not taking "known, sufficient and visible" action against those who assaulted Nigerian students in northern India last week. Calling it a "xenophobic and racial" attack, the African Heads of Mission said the incident was "not sufficiently condemned by the Indian authorities" and have called for an independent investigation by the United Nation's Human Rights Council, Indian media reports suggested. The Indian government defended its position, saying: "It is unfortunate that a criminal act triggered following the untimely death of a young Indian student under suspicious circumstances has been termed as xenophobic and racial.” India's ministery of external affairs also said that the investigations "on the death of Indian teenager and the subsequent incident by local authorities are ongoing. The Government had condemned and described as unacceptable the incident of attack on a few Nigerian nationals in Greater Noida." India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj has also promised for an "impartial" inquiry, though African envoys say the response is inadequate. Multiple attacks on African students were reported from Greater Noida, 18 miles off central Delhi. Nine Nigerians were attacked, including five who were wounded and two who were hospitalised with undisclosed injuries. Attacks on Nigerians began when an Indian teenager died after taking drugs supplied by them. The local administration in Greater Noida have dismissed claims of the attacks being racial in nature. "It is absolutely not a hate crime, nor is it some kind of anger against a race. A few people have spread rumours regarding the death of a youth which gave rise to anger. The incident happened in continuity of that," district magistrate Nagendra Prasad Singh said. (WION)

African envoys slam Greater Noida attacks, demand UN probe

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Dandiya Nite ’26: Indian High Commissioner hails diaspora as bridge between India and Nigeria

Nigerian envoy visits 198 citizens in Indian prisons

African envoys slam Greater Noida attacks, demand UN probe