Israel has announced plans to expand its partnership with Nigeria by opening 30 additional innovation centers across the country. This expansion comes in addition to the innovation center already operational in Abuja.
The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, revealed this during his visit to the wife of the President, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House in Abuja. The Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady, Mrs. Busola Kukoyi, confirmed this development in a statement released on Friday.
During the visit, Ambassador Freeman commended Mrs. Tinubu’s various programs in women empowerment, agriculture, youth, and education.
He outlined four key areas where Israel aims to collaborate with Mrs. Tinubu, including science and technology. As part of this collaboration, Israel plans to open 30 additional innovation centers across Nigeria, in addition to the one already operational in Abuja.
Additionally, Israel will establish computer classrooms to train girls who have been rescued after being trafficked. Ambassador Freeman also discussed the proposed Textile Arts Programme for young Nigerians, which will involve training them to improve their skills in collaboration with Israeli experts.
Mrs. Tinubu expressed her appreciation for the proposed collaboration, emphasizing that the key areas mentioned were of crucial interest to her. She expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its present challenges with the cooperation and support from foreign partners like Israel.
Accompanying Ambassador Freeman was the Deputy Ambassador, Inbar Garden.
Nigeria and Israel have maintained diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties since the 1960s. Over 50 Israeli companies have invested in Nigeria across various sectors, including construction, infrastructure, and information technology.
Economic exchanges between the two countries have been facilitated through entities such as the Nigerian-Israeli Chamber of Commerce and the Israel-Africa Chamber of Commerce.
