India Envoy Highlights Media’s Vital Role in Strengthening Democracy… Mulls Rotational Trips to India for DICAN Members
Oru Leonard
The High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Amb. Abhishek Singh, has underscored the indispensable role of the media in sustaining and strengthening democratic governance, describing it as the “fourth wheel of democracy.”
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during a free Eye Camp organised by the High Commission of India in collaboration with Skipper Eye-Q Eye Hospital for journalists and media professionals, Singh said the media remains a crucial institution that complements the executive, legislature and judiciary in promoting accountability and good governance.
Representing what he described as the world’s largest democracy, India, in Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy, the envoy stressed the need for continuous engagement between diplomatic missions and the media.
He recalled discussions with members of the Diplomatic Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DICAN), during which he emphasised the significance of the press in democratic societies.
“Other than the three organs of democracy—the executive, legislature and judiciary—which act as checks and balances, the media is indeed the fourth wheel of democracy,” Singh said.
He added that regular interaction with journalists remains an important aspect of India’s diplomatic engagement in Nigeria.
The High Commissioner expressed satisfaction that the request by DICAN to organise an eye care programme for journalists had been fulfilled through the partnership with Skipper Eye-Q Eye Hospital.
According to him, the initiative was designed to provide media practitioners with access to professional eye examinations and expert medical advice at no cost.
“Healthy eyesight is vital for all individuals, especially for media personnel, who serve as the eyes and ears of our society,” he said.
Singh also assured DICAN of the High Commission’s continued support and pledged to strengthen collaboration with the media on issues of mutual interest and bilateral importance.
“I look forward to several media interactions on all issues of important bilateral dimensions in the weeks and months to come,” he added.
In his remarks, DICAN Chairman, Frederick Idehai, commended the Indian High Commission for the gesture, describing the eye camp as a landmark welfare initiative for members of the association.
Idehai noted that the programme was the first of its kind under his leadership and urged journalists to take full advantage of the free eye screening services.
He further reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing members’ welfare through capacity-building programmes, both within and outside Nigeria, while delivering on key promises made at the beginning of his tenure.
The eye camp attracted journalists and media professionals who benefited from eye examinations and consultations aimed at promoting better vision health among practitioners in the sector.
