High Commission of India
(Abuja)
Press Release
Release of Commemorative Stamp on the occasion of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
On the occasion of the 150thbirth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today, The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), in association with the High Commission of India, released a Commemorative Stamp today at the premises of the High Commission. The Stamp was released jointly by Shri Abhay Thakur, High Commissioner of India and Mrs. Loretto Nwakama, Chief Operating Officer, Nigerian Postal Service, in the presence of Engr. Ngozi O. Ogujiofor, Director, Telecom and Postal Services, Ministry of Communications.
On the occasion, a digital projection of key moments of Gandhiji’s life, his inspiring quotes, discourses and initiatives, highlightingthe relevance of Mahatma's life and philosophy in the contemporary world, was shown.It was followed by a fusion video of Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite bhajan 'Vaishnav Jan To TeneKahiye’, sung by artists from 155 countries, including Ado Abdulkadir Yakasai and group from Nigeria,Zeynab Abib from Benin, Chorus group from Cameroon andYaarana Association from Chad.A special publication with introduction and photographs of these singers from 155 countries was also presented by the High commissioner.
High Commissioner recalled the importance of Gandhi ji’sAfrican experiences in shaping his life and philosophy, andsaid that the release of the Commemorative Stamp in Abuja today is a fitting tribute to the Mahatma and to the long standingfriendship between India and Nigeria.He said that capacity building assistance was an important area of bilateral cooperation between India and Nigeria, including in the field of water and sanitation, and noted that at the “Swachh Bharat Diwas” (Clean India Day), being celebrated today at Ahmedabad, Gujarat, by the Ministry of Jal Shakti (Water Resources), Government of India, the Minister of Water Resources, Federal Republic of Nigeria is represented by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Ekaro C. Comfort.He added that today India has also reaffirmed its pledge to eliminate single use plastic from day-to-day life.
On the occasion, High Commissioner conveyed his gratitude to H.E. Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as toMs. Zeynab Abib, prominent Beninese singer, Professor UphieChinje Melo, Rector of the University of Ngaoundéré, Cameroon and Mr. Hassan Mahamat Souleyman, Assistant Professor, Higher Teachers’ Training College of Ndjamena, Chad, for their contributions to the Anthology on Gandhi@150, which would be published shortly.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Loretto Nwakanma, Chief Operating Officer, Nigerian Postal Service said that it is a matter of pride for NIPOST to partner with the High Commission of India,to release of the commemorative stamp at the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, whose life and message have universal appeal. NIPOST will be bringing out 200,000 postal stamps, to enable their wide circulation and usage in Nigeria.
Over 200 guests attended the event, including prominent Nigerian dignitaries, diplomatic corps and members of the Indian community. A Photo Exhibition, witha collection of photographs from the Gandhi National Museum, New Delhi, on Mahatma Gandhi’s life and message, was also held at the venue. The event concluded with a vegetarian lunch.
2 October 2019
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