Media Has Critical Role to Play In Democracy, India High Commissioner to Nigeria Insists

The High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Amb. Abhishek Singh, has stressed on the critical role of the media to democracies across the globe.

Besides the executive, legislature and judiciary which act as checks and balances, he noted that the media is indeed the fourth wheel of democracy.

According to him, regular interaction with the media is inevitable.

He spoke in Abuja on Tuesday during the Eye Camp organized by the High Commissioner of India to Nigeria in collaboration with Skipper Eye-Q, for journalists and Media Personnel.

He said "Mr. Fredrick on behalf of the Diplomatic Correspondents’ Association made a request to organize an Eye Camp for the journalists and media personnel.

"During the course of our various discussions that day, one thing I stressed was the importance of media in any democracy.

"As the Chief Representative of world’s largest democracy that is India, in Africa’s largest democracy that is Nigeria, I did emphasis the point that other than three organs of democracy namely executive, legislature and judiciary which act as checks and balances, media is indeed the fourth wheel of democracy.

"Regular interactions with media is therefore an important-element of our diplomacy in Nigeria." he said

On the eye camp, he said "Today, I am very happy that we are able to organize this eye camp for the Nigerian media personnel with the help of Skipper Eye-Q Eye Hospital.

"This free eye camp will provide journalists with an opportunity to undergo eye examinations and receive professional medical advice.

"Healthy eyesight is vital for all individuals, especially for media personnel, who serve as the eyes and ears of our society." he added

The High Commissioner also assured the Diplomatic Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DICAN) that the High Commission of India stands ready to provide whatever assistance is required to the best of its abilities.

"I also look forward to several media interactions on all issues of important bilateral dimensions in the weeks and months to come." he concluded

Making a brief remarks the Chairman of DICAN, Frederick Idehai, thanked the High Commissioner for the gesture

According to him, the eye camp is first of its kind under his tenure towards boosting the welfare of members.

He encouraged DICAN members to take advantage of the free eye screening.

The Chairman also reassured that no stone will be left unturned to facilitate capacity training for members within and outside the country, and achieving other promises made at the inception of his tenure.