Nigerian Delegation visits HIRD; appreciates Haryana’s Rural Development Model

Nilokheri, December 18, 2025: India and Nigeria are both rural economies. The largest segment of the population in both countries is young. By learning from each other on the path of development, both countries can break down many misconceptions. Dr. Virendra Singh Chauhan, Director of the Haryana Institute of Rural Development (HIRD), expressed these views while addressing a delegation of officials from Nigeria at the institute's auditorium on Thursday.

Earlier, upon their arrival, the Nigerian study team was welcomed by HIRD Director, Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan and the entire team of HIRD, led by program coordinator Dr. Sushil Mehta. Copies of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita were presented to the delegation as mementos.

During this one-day visit, the delegation was given detailed information about the Panchayati Raj system in Haryana, the rural development model, capacity building programs, and various initiatives related to women's empowerment. The Nigerian representatives appreciated Haryana's rural development model and described it as inspiring for their country.

Addressing the Nigerian delegation, Director Dr. Virendra Singh Chauhan said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi also believes that the India-Africa partnership is based on the spirit of equality, respect, and shared development. The PM's clear vision is that cooperation between countries like India and Nigeria should be strong not only at the diplomatic level but also at the cultural, social, and human resource development levels. In line with this thinking, India is sharing its development experience with friendly countries.

Emphasizing on women's empowerment, Dr. Virendra Singh Chauhan said that the real development of any society is not possible until women are self-reliant, educated, and participate in the decision-making process. The HIRD is continuously working towards skill development for women, building leadership capabilities, empowering self-help groups, and making them economically strong. He said that women's empowerment is not just a scheme, but the foundation of overall rural development.

During their visit, the Nigerian delegation observed the HIRD's training activities, women-centric programs, and rural development schemes, and also discussed possibilities for future collaboration. The institute's team took the foreign guests on a tour of the Indo-Israel Centre of Excellence for Vegetables in Gharaunda. The delegation also interacted with women from a self-help group at the community center in Uncha Samana village. The program concluded with a Haryanvi devotional song followed by the collective singing of the national song, Vande Mataram.

It is noteworthy that the Nigerian delegation is on a 10-day visit to India, organized by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. The delegation from Nigeria included Abubakar Ali (Chairman) and Fashuyi Olubisi Olufunke (Coordinator). Among those present from the institute were government officials Sushil Mehta and Kamaldeep Sangwan, advisor from the National Rural Development Department Gurvinder Singh, faculty member Wazir Singh, and others from the National Rural Development Department including Naresh Kumari, Neeru Gupta, Gulshan Chadha, Ramesh Chandra, and Sudhir Kumar Singh.