By Olukayode Idowu
Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day 2022 was celebrated in the Chancery premises of the High Commission of India, Abuja on 15th September 2022. Around 250 ITEC alumni, Nigerian Dignitaries and friends from Media attended the event.
On 15 September every year India celebrates ITEC Day. It gives unique opportunity to ITEC Alumni to reconnect with each other. ITEC Day 2022 celebration event started with Indian and Nigerian National Anthems followed by remarks by High Commissioner and Nigerian Dignitaries including HE Mrs. Olushola olayinka idowu, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Mr. Monday Ewans, Director Enterprise Development and Promotions (represented DG, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, Nigeria), and representatives from Nigerian Armed Forces etc.
Event also witnessed the vibrant dance performances by Nigerian artists from Afri Theatre Group, singing of Hindi song by Nigerian singer Mr. Abdul as well as yoga demonstration by Yoga teacher Mr Basant Ram. ITEC Alumni shared their experience in India and how they can contribute to their own country from what they have learnt under this programme.
In his remarks, High Commissioner, G. Balasubramanian talked about the importance of ITEC Programme in enhancing bilateral relations between two countries. He then mentioned that development partnership occupies a paramount place in India’s foreign policy. He mentioned that this development cooperation is based on two main pillars, first, Development cooperation incorporating the idea of partnership, i.e. working for mutual benefit and secondly, development cooperation based on priorities determined by the partner. He added that, ITEC Programme was launched by the Government of India on 15 September 1964, its fully funded development cooperation program. The professionals and people from ITEC partner countries are offered unique training courses in different centers of excellence in India which empower them with not just professional skills but prepare them for an increasingly globalized world.
He further added that, ITEC it is based on the belief of shared growth and prosperity by sharing our knowledge and resources with our partner countries. The approach of ITEC Programme is human centric and in line with vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that India’s development partnership would be guided by priorities of the partner country and on terms that are comfortable to our partners.