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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has described Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years in political leadership as a “rare achievement” in any democracy, saying the milestone reflects the enduring confidence of the Indian people in his leadership.
Tinubu stated this in a congratulatory message posted on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, on Wednesday to mark Modi’s 25th anniversary in public leadership.
The President noted that the Indian leader had spent a quarter of a century in uninterrupted public service, first as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001 and, since 2014, as Prime Minister of India.
He said Modi’s longevity in office was particularly significant given that India is the world’s most populous nation.
“A quarter-century of unbroken leadership is a rare achievement in any democracy,” Tinubu said, adding that it was “a powerful testament to the enduring confidence the Indian people have placed in him.”
The President said Modi had, over the past 25 years, demonstrated what he described as a commitment to development, crediting his leadership with contributing to Gujarat’s transformation and India’s emergence as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies.
According to Tinubu, Modi’s administration has made significant strides in infrastructure, digital public goods, financial inclusion and innovation, with millions benefiting from the transformation.
He said the Indian Prime Minister’s record had also provided inspiration to countries across the Global South.
Tinubu used the occasion to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with India, recalling Modi’s historic State Visit to Abuja in November 2024.
The Nigerian President noted that during the visit, Nigeria honoured Modi with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, one of the country’s highest national honours.
He said the visit provided fresh impetus to bilateral cooperation in key areas, including trade and investment, energy, defence and security, health, education and technology.
“Nigeria deeply values the strategic partnership between our two great nations,” Tinubu said.
He further positioned Nigeria and India as important voices of the Global South, saying both countries shared a commitment to building “a fairer, more inclusive and more representative international order.”
Tinubu expressed confidence that Nigeria-India relations would continue to expand under Modi’s leadership.
“I remain confident that, under his continued leadership, the bonds of friendship between our peoples will grow ever stronger,” he said.
The President wished Modi good health, strength and continued success in his service to the Indian people.
