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By Gloria Ikibah

The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Abhishek Singh, has called on Nigerians to embrace yoga as a lifelong wellness practice capable of promoting healthy ageing, improving mental well-being and enhancing overall quality of life.

The envoy made the appeal on Saturday during the 12th International Day of Yoga celebration held at the Velodrome of the National Stadium in Abuja, where hundreds of participants gathered under the global theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”

Observed annually on 21 June, the International Day of Yoga was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 following a proposal by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the endorsement of 177 member states. The annual observance seeks to raise global awareness of the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of yoga while encouraging healthier and more balanced lifestyles.

This year’s celebration highlighted the role of yoga in supporting healthy ageing, especially as populations around the world continue to live longer and face increasing risks of chronic illnesses associated with old age.

Addressing participants, Singh described yoga as one of India’s greatest contributions to humanity, stressing that its benefits extend beyond physical exercise to include mental clarity, emotional balance and inner peace.

“Yoga has got many benefits, but I emphasise that this year’s theme is healthy ageing because we have seen that many times when you age, you get many ailments which can be avoidable through the practice of yoga.

“This is what we are going to convey to the masses—that if you practise yoga, you will be as youthful in your old age as you were in your youth. Practise yoga for good health and good ageing,” Singh said.

The colourful event attracted diplomats, government officials, members of the diplomatic community, students, Corps members, wellness enthusiasts and members of the Indian community in Nigeria, all united by a shared commitment to healthy living.

The High Commissioner noted that yoga remains increasingly relevant in a world characterised by demanding schedules, stress and lifestyle-related illnesses, as he said the practice provides an opportunity to reconnect with oneself while improving physical and mental health.

“In the fast-paced modern lives, yoga provides a dedicated space to breathe deeply, reduce stress and cultivate mental clarity. By combining gentle movements, stretching, breathing exercises and mindfulness, yoga can help improve balance, flexibility, strength and mobility, while also supporting mental well-being and stress management,” he said.

He explained that yoga has evolved beyond its origins to become a universal language that promotes peace, wellness and harmony among people of different cultures and nationalities.

Reflecting on the significance of the Abuja celebration, Singh said the large turnout demonstrated the growing appreciation of yoga as a tool for healthier living and stronger social connections.

“The theme this year is Yoga for Healthy Ageing and everyone has now realised the importance of yoga not only for their physical well-being but also for their mental well-being.

“I have seen this great sea of humanity in the colours of the Indian flag—orange, white and green—and how it brings everyone across borders and languages together for the common purpose of uniting humanity for good health,” he said.

He also commended the National Sports Commission, officials of the High Commission of India, corporate partners and members of the community for contributing to the success of the event, urging participants to make yoga a daily habit rather than an occasional activity.

“Let us practise yoga to connect with ourselves and foster a sense of harmony and tranquillity that we can carry into our daily lives,” Singh said.

With growing evidence linking regular physical activity and mindfulness to improved health outcomes, advocates say yoga continues to gain recognition as a simple, accessible and cost-effective way to promote healthier living, reduce stress and support well-being across all stages of life.

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) have introduced a new compliance requirement.

The directive mandates prior approval for significant ownership changes in telecommunications companies operating in Nigeria.

The agencies announced the measure in a joint statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.
The statement was signed by Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, NCC Director of Public Affairs, and Mr Rasheed Mahe, CAC Head of Public Affairs.

Ukoha said telecom companies must obtain a Letter of No Objection from NCC before transferring shares.

She explained that the approval applies to transfers amounting to 10 per cent of total share capital.
The requirement is based on the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 and other relevant regulations.
According to her, the rule takes immediate effect for NCC-licensed companies proposing ownership or control changes.
The measure also covers multiple share transfers that collectively exceed the 10 per cent threshold.
Ukoha said CAC would ensure shareholding change requests have evidence of NCC approval before registration.
She noted that the policy would prevent direct or indirect anti-competitive practices in the sector.
“The requirement is designed to preserve a fair and competitive market structure within the communications sector,” she said.
The NCC official added that the move would strengthen oversight of ownership and control changes.
She said the policy would improve transparency, investor confidence and regulatory certainty in the industry.
According to her, the initiative would safeguard the long-term stability of Nigeria’s communications sector.
Ukoha reaffirmed the commitment of NCC and CAC to a transparent business environment.
She said both agencies would continue working together to promote fair market practices.
The collaboration, she added, would support the orderly and sustainable growth of the communications industry.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will step down from office, citing what he described as failures on immigration and energy policy.

Trump made the remarks in a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, as Starmer faces mounting political pressure at home.

“Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of The United Kingdom,” Trump wrote. “He failed badly on two ⁠very important subjects- IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY (OPEN NORTH SEA ⁠OIL!). I wish him ⁠well!”

The U.S. president did not provide any evidence or indicate the source of his claim regarding Starmer’s departure.

Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, became prime minister after leading his party to victory in the UK general election. His government has faced criticism over a range of issues, including migration and energy policy.