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By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government has congratulated the Republic of India on the occasion of its 80th Independence Anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across key sectors, including trade, technology, healthcare, education and defence.

In a statement issued by the Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Saturday, Nigeria described India as a trusted friend and strategic partner whose relationship with Africa’s largest economy has continued to flourish over the decades.

“The Government of Nigeria extends its sincere congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of India as they celebrate the 80th anniversary of their nation’s independence on August 15, 2026,” the statement read.

The Federal Government noted that relations between both countries have remained strong because of their shared history and longstanding cooperation under multilateral platforms.

“Nigeria recognises India as a valued friend and strategic partner, and warmly acknowledges the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation that have characterised bilateral relations between both countries over the decades.

“These ties, rooted in shared history as members of the Commonwealth and the Non-Aligned Movement, continue to be strengthened through cooperation in trade, investment, technology, health, education, defence and cultural exchange”, it added.

Nigeria also commended India’s development journey since gaining independence in 1947, describing the country as one of the world’s leading economies and an influential voice in international affairs.

“On this auspicious occasion, the Federal Government commends India’s remarkable journey of nation-building, economic transformation and democratic consolidation since gaining independence in 1947, and its emergence as one of the world’s leading economies and a key voice in global affairs”, the statement further read.

The statement further acknowledged India’s growing investment footprint in Nigeria and praised the long-standing partnership between both countries.

“Nigeria appreciates the vibrant and long-standing partnership between both nations, including India’s continued investment presence in Nigeria and the significant contributions of the Indian community to Nigeria’s economic development”, it stated.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to deepen cooperation with India in several strategic areas, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, information technology, investment and South-South cooperation.

The Federal Government also emphasised the importance of continued collaboration within international organisations such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the G20.

“Furthermore, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to deepening bilateral relations with India across all sectors, including trade and investment, health and pharmaceuticals, information technology, defence cooperation and South-South cooperation.

“Nigeria looks forward to continued collaboration with India within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the G20, in advancing shared interests, including reform of global governance institutions, sustainable development and South-South solidarity”, it stated.

The statement expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria-India relations, particularly following the recent assumption of duty by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India.

“With the recent assumption of duty of Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms Nigeria’s dedication to nurturing and expanding the warm and mutually beneficial relationship between both countries in the years ahead”, the statement added.

The Federal Government extended its best wishes to India and its people as the Asian nation marked eight decades of independence.

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Technical failures involving the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) disrupted voting at the Ojude Ala I Polling Unit in the Iperin Registration Area of Ila Local Government Area on Saturday, leaving many voters frustrated as the electoral process slowed considerably.

The polling unit, which has 342 registered voters, experienced repeated interruptions after the BVAS machine reportedly malfunctioned several times during the accreditation exercise.

The technical issues led to long waiting times, with many voters forced to remain at the polling unit while electoral officials worked to restore the device.

Speaking on the situation, a member of the National Road Transport Workers’ Union (NRTWU), Comrade Olaniyan Bamiduro, described the development as frustrating, noting that the repeated breakdowns had significantly delayed the process.

“The BVAS has broken down three times. If not for this problem, I believe everybody would have been attended to by now,” Bamiduro said.

An Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ad hoc official at the polling unit disclosed that only about 75 voters had been accredited and had cast their ballots as of 12:40 p.m.

The figure represents just over 22 per cent of the total number of registered voters at the polling unit, leaving more than 260 people still waiting to vote at the time of filing this report.

The slow pace of the exercise has heightened concerns among voters, some of whom fear that continued technical difficulties could affect the timely completion of the election.

Despite the delays and growing frustration, many voters remained at the polling unit, determined to exercise their civic responsibility while waiting for the technical issues to be resolved.

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The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the ongoing Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has expressed confidence in securing victory, saying he remains optimistic about the outcome of the poll.

Oyebamiji spoke shortly after casting his vote at Ward 9, Unit 11, Open Space, Gantry Sawmill, Ikire, in Irewole Local Government Area on Saturday.

The APC candidate praised the peaceful atmosphere at the polling unit and commended residents for turning out in large numbers to participate in the election.

According to him, the turnout reflected the determination of voters and demonstrated that residents were not intimidated.

“INEC are here, the voters are here, security operatives are here. I want to commend the large turnout of voters in Ikire. It shows that people are not intimidated, and generally, things are going on fine across the state,” he said.

Responding to concerns over possible security challenges in Ikire, Oyebamiji called on law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of voters throughout the exercise.

He urged security personnel to take proactive measures to prevent any breakdown of law and order as the election progresses.

“I want to admonish the police and other security operatives to be proactive to ensure security for our people and all the voters, and I believe the election would be credible,” he noted.