Israel is “excited” to work with President-elect Bola Tinubu’s incoming administration, says the country’s ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman.
The Israeli ambassador declared this in his address at the 75th independence anniversary ceremony of Israel’s statehood on Tuesday night in Abuja.
The event was organised by the Israeli embassy to commemorate the birth of the modern state of Israel and democracy since the official declaration by Ben Gurion, the nation’s first prime minister, on May 14, 1948.
“We are excited to work with the president-elect, Senator Bola Tinubu, in his administration to advance these issues and many more,” said Mr Freeman.
The Israeli ambassador added, “For 60 years, Israel and Nigeria worked together in many different fields. In recent years Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (I-FAIR) has been the flagship of our programmes.”
Mr Freeman said that since independence, Israel has built modern technology and innovation in agriculture, cyber, health, education, homeland security, and many more that lead globally.
According to him, the first two editions of the programme for Nigerian entrepreneurs provided young Nigerians with mentorship and tools needed to take their ideas from theories to practical.
“Many I-FAIR graduates now have various businesses with fellow Nigerians contributing to the economic growth of this country. Our third edition of I-FAIR is launched today. We want young Nigerian entrepreneurs and innovators to apply,” stated Mr Freeman.
He added, “At the end of this year, we shall hold our first technology investment conference in Abuja to bring together our technology experts from both countries.”
Mr Freeman described Israel as a world leader in agro-based technology and water management through an innovative approach to climate change, saying the country would hold its maiden agric, water and climate change technology conference in 2024.
The Israeli ambassador assured that such initiatives through commitment and deeper bilateral relations with Nigeria would ensure a brighter future for the young generation and even those unborn.
(NAN)
