Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed President Bola Tinubu as “Ore mi” during his visit to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday.

Before delivering his remarks in Hindi during the meeting, Modi referred to Tinubu, saying, “His Excellency, my friend, ore mi…”

“Ore mi,” a Yoruba phrase, translates to “my friend” in English.

Modi’s use of the phrase “Ore mi” delighted Nigerians on social media, where many expressed excitement over the friendly exchange.

Reacting to the remark, user #Mckel2011 wrote on X.com, “Ọ̀rẹ́ mi. Abi wetin I hear? 😂 😂 😂”

Another user, #Adanla189787, commented, “Yoruba language is global.”

Xaif_03 added, “Great to see strong diplomatic engagements between India and Nigeria. Looking forward to the positive outcomes and strengthened ties between our nations under the leadership of President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi.”

Modi, who arrived in Abuja on Saturday evening, was welcomed at the forecourt of the Villa at around 10:20 a.m. on Sunday. Following a ceremonial reception, Tinubu escorted the Indian leader into his office for a closed-door meeting.

During their meeting, the two leaders were expected to discuss and sign several bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and India.

As part of the visit, President Tinubu conferred Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, on Modi. The president remarked that the honour was “to signify our appreciation of India as Nigeria’s partner.”

Modi’s visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Dr Manmohan Singh’s state visit in 2007, during which the two nations established a strategic partnership.

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