By Fatima Saka
Abuja, Nigeria — The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, has advocated the adoption of yoga as a practical pathway to healthy ageing, urging Nigerians to embrace the ancient practice to maintain physical fitness, mental well-being and vitality throughout their lives.
Singh made the call on Saturday at the Velodrome of the National Stadium, Abuja, during the celebration of the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY), held under the theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
The annual global event, observed every June 21, promotes awareness of the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of yoga while encouraging healthier lifestyles.
According to the envoy, yoga provides a simple, affordable and effective means of preventing many age-related ailments, enabling individuals to remain active and healthy as they grow older.
“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,” Singh said.
He added, “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.”
The event attracted a wide range of participants, including diplomats, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, students, the Indian community and wellness enthusiasts, reflecting yoga’s growing global appeal.
In his address, Singh described yoga as an invaluable gift from India to humanity, noting that the practice promotes harmony between the mind, body and soul, while fostering a balanced relationship between humans and nature.
He emphasised that yoga has become increasingly relevant in today’s fast-paced world, offering a vital space for stress reduction, mental clarity and overall well-being.
“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.
Also speaking at the event, Nigerian dignitaries including Ambassador Babagana Wakil, Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Muhammad Saidu Dahiru, High Commissioner-Designate to India; Dr. Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission; and Dr. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the Commission, underscored yoga’s role in promoting holistic health and unity.
They noted that yoga transcends borders, cultures and languages, serving as a universal tool for peace, wellness and human connection.
The High Commissioner recalled that the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014 following a proposal by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in recognition of yoga’s universal appeal. He added that the practice was later inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.
Highlighting the significance of the Abuja gathering, Singh said the turnout demonstrated yoga’s unifying power across nationalities and backgrounds.
“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.
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He commended the National Sports Commission, the High Commission of India, corporate partners and community members for their support in organising the event.
Singh encouraged participants to incorporate yoga into their daily routines, stressing that the practice fosters inner peace, harmony and long-term well-being.
“Let us practise yoga to connect with ourselves and foster a sense of harmony and tranquillity that we can carry into our daily lives,” he said.
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