BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
R-L: Chairman/CEO of AMNI International Petroleum Development Company, Chief Tunde Afolabi; Isreali Envoy to Nigeria, Amb Michael Freeman and his wife, Mrs Sigalit Freeman; and Mrs Oluseyi Afolabi at the 75th Independence Anniversary of the State of Isreal in Abuja on Tuesday. PHOTO BY CHIKA OKEKE.
The Isreali Envoy to Nigeria, Amb Michael Freeman has assured maximum partnership with the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in order to strengthen Nigeria's agricultural revolution, technology, cyber security, human capital and innovation.
Already, an Isreali company, Starcrest Integrated Farms has commenced the cultivation of vegetables in Nigeria using Isreali technology, greenhouses, drip irrigation and seedlings, expected to provide millions of jobs and feed Nigeria and Africa.
The vegetables range from spring onions, pawpaw, lemon, seedless cucumber, assorted pepper, beetroot, mango, banana, butter nut, tomatoes and others.
Freeman stated this on Tuesday night at the 75th independence anniversary of Israel in Abuja.
The event was organised by the Israeli Embassy to commemorate the birth of the modern state of Israel and democracy since its official declaration by the first Isreali's Prime Minister, Ben Gurion, in May 14, 1948.
General Overseer of Redemeed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye (middle) and his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, flanked by other guests.
Freeman was optimistic that greatness lies ahead for Nigeria and Isreal, adding that Isreal is committed to deepening the bilateral ties with Nigeria.
He disclosed that the third edition of Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (I-FAIR) programme was launched on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, for entrepreneurs and innovators.
Mr Danjuma Sado of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (Left) flanked by other guests.
The envoy emphasised that the first two editions of the programme provided young Nigerians mentorship and tools needed to advance their ideas from theories to practical.
News Rider reports that the nomination for third edition of i-FAIR programme commenced on May 16 and its expected to end on June 10, 2023.
Freeman was excited that many I-FAIR graduates are currently engaged in various businesses with other Nigerians, thereby contributing to the economic growth of Nigeria.
He hinted that by November this year, Isreal would hold its first technology investment conference in Abuja, expected to bring together technology experts from both countries.
While describing Israel as a world leader in agro-based technology, water management and climate change through innovative approach, he maintained that Isreal is already producing water from the air.
He pointed out that Isreal would organise its maiden agric, water and climate change technology conference in 2024.
"Isreal and Nigeria share certain things in common. We are both young, technology-minded and with a population that doesn't take no for an answer. The future is really bright for both countries", he added.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, congratulated Isreal on their special day, adding that Nigeria would improve its tourism and agricultural revolution by deepening its ties with Isreal.
“I believe by deepening our diplomatic relations with Israel, we stand to gain a lot because Nigeria is blessed with many natural potentials like tourism and agriculture", she added.
The event, which attracted notable personalities from the oil and gas sector, politicians, clerics and entrepreneurs, was spiced up with scintillating performance by Tararam drum and dance group.
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