The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Abhishek Singh, has called for greater adoption of yoga as a practical approach to promoting wellness, mental stability, and healthy ageing among Nigerians and people worldwide.
Singh made the appeal on Saturday in Abuja during the commemoration of the 12th International Day of Yoga, organised by the Indian High Commission in Nigeria.
The event, themed “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” brought together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Indian community, students, and yoga enthusiasts.
The International Day of Yoga was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 following a proposal championed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is observed globally every June 21 to highlight the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga.
Singh described yoga as an ancient Indian practice that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to promote holistic well-being.
He said the discipline offers benefits that extend beyond fitness, contributing to emotional balance, mental clarity, and spiritual harmony.
“Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice. It is an invaluable gift to humankind from ancient India.
”It embodies the unison of mind, body and soul and offers a holistic approach to health and well-being,” he said.
He further noted that in today’s fast-paced world, yoga provides individuals with a structured means of reducing stress, improving concentration, and strengthening the body.
According to him, consistent practice enhances flexibility, mobility, balance, and emotional resilience.
Describing yoga as a “secret superpower,” Singh said it not only builds physical strength but also equips individuals with the ability to maintain calm under pressure.
“It is a secret superpower. It builds strong bodies and teaches us how to find calm when life gets loud,” he added.
The envoy also emphasised yoga’s global reach, noting that it has evolved beyond cultural and geographical boundaries to become a universal practice for peace and well-being.
He added that yoga represents harmony between humans and nature as well as unity of body, mind, and spirit.
He recalled that yoga was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, further underscoring its global cultural significance.
Singh urged Nigerians to incorporate yoga into their daily routines, stressing that its practice could contribute to healthier lifestyles and improved inner peace.
“Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature,” he said.
Also present at the event were senior officials including Babagana Wakil, Chief of Protocol at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Muhammad Dahiru, Nigeria’s High Commissioner-Designate to India; Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission; and Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the Commission.
The International Day of Yoga continues to be observed annually across the world to raise awareness of yoga’s benefits and encourage healthier living.
