ShikhaSpeaks.com: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH HIS EXCELLENCY MAJOR GENERAL CHRIS OWUSHI EZE HIGH COMMISIONER OF NIGERIA TO INDIA....

Ambassadors are not those who revel themselves in the routine glories of their unbridled communities. They are of tribe of humanity who invite people to their selfless acts by the jingles of their good deeds, and who would readily patronize the local humility of dining and caring for the least of his fellow compatriot. These men like His Excellency Major General Chris Owushi Eze, the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of India, beat any contender as the diplomat of choice.

The Ambassador has made diplomacy into choreography such that his slight frame easily yields to the flow of its rhythm. He has turned diplomacy into poetry of a line much too practiced that he speaks and breathes diplomacy! His polished sureness in social behaviour is quite admirable. He has also got an estimable benignant voice, which when switched into language of diplomacy, unconsciously adopts a certain tone meant to echo his true identity: A proud Nigerian.

His Excellency Major General Chris Owushi Eze in his exclusive interaction with Journalist Shikha Sharma discussed in details about India- Nigeria relations. He said on the official level things are good and promising but on ground level few things should be taken into consideration.

Relations between Nigeria and India have traditionally been warm and friendly. India established its diplomatic mission in Nigeria in 1958 and that was two years before Nigeria gained its independent in 1960. Both countries have been in the forefront of the international struggle against colonialism and apartheid and have closely collaborated in various international forays. Commonalities of our colonial past, a large multi-ethnic, multi-religious and developing societies with a large percentage of youth have brought the two countries even closer. We both share common perspectives on international political, social and development issues as manifested in various meetings at the United Nations, World Trade organization, etc. The two countries strongly oppose all forms of terrorism.

The bilateral relations between the Republic of India and the Federal Republic of Nigeria have considerably expanded in recent years with both nations building strategic and commercial ties.

His Excellency also mentioned a consular dialogue between officials from MEA and their counterparts from the Nigerian ministry of Foreign affairs to resolve outstanding issues and reflect reciprocity in bilateral relations is already going on.

Oil-rich Nigeria stated recently that India has replaced the United States as its largest crude importer, as it covered 20–25 percent of India's domestic oil demand. India, however, now purchases some 30% of Nigeria's daily crude production which currently hovers around 2.5 million barrels. With bilateral oil trade valued at US$10 billion, Indian oil companies are also involved in oil drilling operations in Nigeria and have plans to set up refineries there.

Apart from this His Excellency's few concerns are that “Indian hospitality is most famous in the world, However we are still waiting for the day when Africans will also enjoy hospitality to the fullest, and feel at home here the way Indians feel at home in Nigeria.

From popular misconceptions among Indian students about them being drug peddlers to difficulty in getting internships, the students rue the fact that they aren’t gaining any valuable experience from their college life. The source of their ire is the casual — sometimes even unintentional — degradation; being snubbed by landlords and employers; and exclusion from the community.

There is a multitude of problems that African nationals face in India, apart from their negative portrayal as criminals. Many in India often refer to the African people as “Nigerians” — almost as a term of abuse. In some instances, African students, conscious of their skin color, said they feel isolated.

There are approximately 60,000 Africans of different nationalities residing in India. Many have faced racial discrimination at some point of time during their stay in the country. Majority of Africans who have come to reside in the country are either pursuing higher studies or working.

According to the Association of African Students in India (AASI), about 25,000 Africans study in Indian universities, drawn by their high academic standards, low fees and the use of English language as the medium of instruction. Nigeria sends the highest numbers to India, followed by Sudan and Kenya.

“Most of the Africans in India are seen as criminals. I hope that Indian Citizens will develop the broad outlook which globalization demands so that the negative profiting of entire communities which results from ignorance is minimized.

Lots of African students give their complaint in High Commission which is very disheartening and tragic. With several confirmed reports of discrimination and racially motivated violence against Africans in the NCR, the issue of racism has gained significance in the public eye over the past few years.

However, the community’s grievances are far from attended.

Even I as journalist observed so many things related to all such issues. Also few months back I took my African friends to Superintendent of Police in Greater Noida for help and to complain against the Society people who are harassing them , without any second thought their complaints has been registered and matter has been solved. According to me it’s not the government mistake as they took action immediately and consider these cases seriously. It’s we the people who has to change our thoughts and just avoid been stereotype. As I observed that African people have beautiful heart, they are culturally very rich and they are also Human Beings.

So folks through this article I appeal for positive change and acceptance which is benefit for both the nations.

His Excellency Major General Chris owushi Eze brief profile is attached below-

1. Born at Obollo Afor, Enugu state of Nigeria, on 25th July 1953.

2. Joined the army on 4th July 1974.

3. Had military training at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst England, Command and Staff College Jaji, Nigeria, National Defense College Abuja Nigeria.

4. Held various appointments in the army including battalion and brigade commands, Directing Staff in Nigerian and Ghanaian staff colleges, Director of Administration in Defence Headquarters and Chief of Policy and Plans in Army Headquarters.

5. Retired from the army in December 2006 and went into politics.

6. Served as the pioneer secretary of the now ruling All Progressives Congress in Enugu state also on the Presidential Campaign Committee and Presidential Transition Committee after APC won the 2015 elections.

7. Appointed High Commissioner of Nigeria to India and assumed duty on 1st November 2017.

8. Married with four children, two males and two females.

9. Loves reading serious books and watching sports especially football.

BY JOURNALIST SHIKHA SHARMA