In a significant move towards fostering sustainable development and economic growth, the Plateau State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with the State of Israel. This partnership, focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, technology, and medicine, aims to leverage the shared characteristics between the two regions to drive mutual progress.
During a courtesy visit by the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Freeman, Governor Caleb Mutfwang highlighted the potential for collaboration, noting that Plateau State and Israel share similar weather patterns and topography. This commonality, coupled with the state’s abundant natural resources, presents a fertile ground for cooperation, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Governor Mutfwang’s administration has set its sights on transforming Plateau State into a major agricultural hub, not just for local consumption but for global exports as well. However, he acknowledged the challenges in storage and preservation, areas where Israel’s expertise could prove invaluable. By leveraging Israeli technology, Plateau State aims to maximise productivity and overcome these hurdles, ultimately boosting food production and positioning the state as a significant player in the global market.
The Governor also emphasised the importance of livestock development, expressing his administration’s eagerness to benefit from Israel’s advanced techniques in animal husbandry and dairy farming. This focus on livestock is part of a broader strategy to diversify the state’s agricultural output and enhance its economic resilience.
In the realm of medicine, Governor Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s commitment to establishing a Faculty of Medicine at Plateau State University, Bokkos. He underscored the vital role that Israeli expertise would play in achieving this vision, particularly in developing the state’s capacity for medical tourism. With its favourable climate and potential for world-class medical infrastructure, Plateau State could become a destination for medical care, drawing patients from around the world.
The meeting also touched on security, with Governor Mutfwang condemning the abduction of Israeli hostages by Hamas and drawing parallels to the security challenges faced in Plateau State. He expressed hope that discussions with the Israeli delegation would provide valuable insights into strengthening security measures and safeguarding the lives of citizens.
Ambassador Freeman, in his remarks, briefed the Governor on Israel’s groundbreaking agricultural technologies, particularly drip irrigation. This innovative method has revolutionised farming by increasing crop yields while significantly reducing water consumption. For instance, in rice farming, drip irrigation can cut water usage from 5,000–6,000 litres per kilogram to just 1,500 litres. Implementing such solutions in Plateau State could enhance food security, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and drive economic development.
The Ambassador reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to knowledge-sharing and technology transfer, stating that the partnership would unlock new opportunities for growth and prosperity in Plateau State. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment from both parties to explore concrete steps towards implementing these collaborations, ensuring long-term benefits for the people of Plateau State.
