President Bola Tinubu has extended condolences to the government and people of India on the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Singh, India’s Prime Minister between 2004 and 2014, died Thursday at the age of 92.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the president said the Prime Minister Singh’s official visit to Nigeria in 2007 was historic.
He said Singh’s visit also earned him the distinct honour of addressing a joint session of the National Assembly, a privilege accorded to only a few global leaders.
Onanuga said, “President Tinubu pays tribute to Dr Singh’s dedication to strengthening the Nigeria-India relationship, noting that his diplomatic efforts remain a reference point in the history of the bilateral relations between the two nations.
“The President recounts the establishment of the Strategic Partnership between Nigeria and India under Singh’s tenure, which has continued to flourish, driving political and economic prosperity for both countries,” Onanuga said.
He also said that the Nigerian leader commends Prime Minister Singh’s efforts to forge improved cooperation in defence trade, culture, education, health, science and technology, and ICT.
He said, “Expressing gratitude to the people of India for celebrating the life and accomplishments of this selfless leader and distinguished economist, the Nigerian leader salutes Singh’s role in steering India’s economic reforms during globally challenging times.
“He prays that the departed Prime Minister’s dedication to service will inspire the people of India,” he said.
