Wike Hosts Israeli Ambassador In Abuja

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was in a meeting with the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, in his Abuja office.

Speaking during the meeting on Tuesday, Wike said his ministry would partner with Israeli experts in developing technology-backed farms to promote agriculture and food production in Abuja.

The minister stated that such collaboration was needed to create massive employment for Nigerian youths as well as address food insecurity in the nation.

Wike also stated that the administration has initiated plans to develop a technology village and would welcome collaboration with credible individuals and organisations.

The minister added that the Tinubu administration is ready to collaborate with Israel in the area of agriculture to provide jobs for unemployed Nigerian youths.

He disclosed that the administration’s efforts towards improving revenue generation were responsible for the recent directive on the payment of ground rates on embassies and other organisations.

The former Governor of Rivers State stated that the policy was not meant to embarrass any person or organization.

On security, Wike said, like other major cities in the world, the FCT had its share of security challenges but was open to partnerships with the State of Israel to improve the security situation.

He said, “Yes, we have had one or two setbacks in terms of security threats, but like you know, security issues are everywhere, and we are working very hard to see that we nip in the bud, anything that will give us any negative publicity.

“You know, all over the world, nobody can say you can have one hundred percent security, you know it’s not possible. But we will try as much as we can, anywhere we can collaborate and work together to help us reduce some level of insecurity in the city. But be assured that we are willing to work”.

Earlier in his remarks, Freeman said if his country’s initiative is accepted, notable Israeli experts would come in to help in many ways.

He added that Israel was prepared to establish a digital centre in the nation’s capital, where youths and other interested people can acquire relevant technological skills for the digital economy.