Africa

Nigeria Acknowledges the Importance of Cultural Diplomacy

Promoting Bilateral relationship with India through cultural exchanges

April 23rd, 2019
Hoëlenn Ayoul-Guilmard, News from Berlin
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On the Occasion of the Indian Cultural Evening hosted by the Indian High Commission in Abuja, the Director General of the National Council of Arts and Culture NCAC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe acknowledged Cultural Diplomacy is the newest strategy to adopt in the promotion of Nigeria to the globe.

Indeed, the Director General describes Cultural Diplomacy as the best means to promote closer relations and respect for nations’ cultures betwixt countries. It is the message to project. Once that (cultural diplomacy) is there, we have less frictions and hate speeches.” he said.
His words actually took a concrete aspect as he spoke in the context of deepening the relationship with India during and event of the ICCR.  In 2019, they plan on opening the Nigerian Community House in India which could be seen as the mirror institution of the High Commission of India to Nigeria. The aim is to promote Nigeria and strengthen bilateral relations through culture and exchange.

On this occasion, the Deputy High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Mr. Subhash Chand highlighted cultures ability to promote better relations between people and therefore between countries. He stressed ICCR’s  commitment with the provision of academic scholarship to over 20 Nigerians for undergraduates, graduate and doctoral degree studies in India.

The partnership between the two countries are many and varied as testifies the Indian Women Association, IWA Abuja, which despite being an Indian NGO also opened a sister organization in Nigeria three years ago. “We are going to come up with other cultural events as Bride of India future in the future, showcasing India, as well as events that focus on our host country Nigeria’s cultures,” adds Aggarwa

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News from Berlin