By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
ISRAELI AMBASSADOR to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, expressed admiration for the initiatives spearheaded by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, during a recent courtesy visit to the State House in Abuja, highlighting programmes focusing on women and youth empowerment, agriculture, and education, he commended her efforts.
During the visit, Freeman outlined four key areas where Israel aims to collaborate with Tinubu’s office.
Foremost among these is the expansion of science and technology initiatives, with plans to establish 30 additional innovation centers across Nigeria, complementing the existing center in Abuja.
Moreover, Freeman revealed Israel’s commitment to supporting rescued girls by setting up computer classrooms tailored to their needs.
Additionally, he discussed plans for a Textile Arts Programme aimed at enhancing the skills of young Nigerians, with Israeli expertise contributing to their training.
In response, Mrs. Tinubu expressed gratitude for the proposed collaboration, underscoring the alignment between these areas of interest and her priorities. She expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to overcome its present challenges, importance the significant role of international cooperation in achieving national greatness.
Accompanying Ambassador Freeman was Deputy Ambassador Inbar Garden.
The visit underscores the longstanding diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between Nigeria and Israel, dating back to the 1960s.
Over the years, economic exchanges have flourished, with at least 50 Israeli companies investing in Nigeria across diverse sectors such as construction, infrastructure, and information technology.
These ties have been reinforced through platforms like the Nigerian-Israeli Chamber of Commerce and the Israel-Africa Chamber of Commerce, facilitating mutually beneficial partnerships between the two nations.
