Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Nigeria across key sectors, including innovation, agriculture, healthcare, security, education and skills development.
Freeman made this known on Monday evening in Abuja during the celebration of the 78th Independence Anniversary of the State of Israel, organised by the Israeli Embassy in Nigeria.
According to the ambassador, expanding Israeli-Nigerian relations goes beyond humanitarian support and represents a strategic investment in a shared future.
“The future of Israel-Nigeria relations will not be shaped by speeches alone. It will be driven by entrepreneurs building successful businesses, farmers increasing productivity, healthcare professionals saving lives, and young people who refuse to be limited by circumstances.
“When Nigerian ingenuity meets Israeli innovation, remarkable achievements become possible,” he said.
Freeman noted that Nigeria possesses enormous potential, citing its youthful population, entrepreneurial culture, abundant agricultural resources, and strong determination for growth and success.
He highlighted the Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (i-FAIR) programme, through which young Nigerian entrepreneurs collaborate with Israeli and Nigerian mentors to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses capable of creating jobs and addressing real-world challenges.
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The envoy further announced plans to launch a fifth cohort of the programme in 2027, while noting that several Israeli companies are already actively contributing to Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Also speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, described Nigeria and Israel as long-standing partners bound by mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared belief in transformation and community development.
She said that despite the geographical distance between both nations, they remain connected by cultural diversity, rich heritage, and a common understanding of the vital role communities play in national development.
Musawa added that as Nigeria pursues its development objectives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there are significant opportunities to deepen collaboration with Israel in the areas of arts, culture, tourism, and the promotion of Nigeria’s rich cultural identity.
NAN
