TheCable

Michael Freeman, Israeli ambassador to Nigeria, says the country is committed to helping Nigeria realise its huge potential for technological development.

Freeman spoke when he paid a working visit to Sonny Echono, executive secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), in Abuja on Tuesday

In a statement by Abdulmumin Oniyangi, TETFund’s spokesperson, the ambassador said Isreal would deepen its partnership with Nigeria in innovation, entrepreneurship, and production.

Freeman described Nigeria as a country with huge potential due to its teeming youth population.

Sonny Echono, executive secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) with Freeman, Israel envoy

The ambassador said Nigeria would benefit a lot from Isreal’s standing as a leading country in technology and innovation.

He said 45 percent of Israel’s gross domestic product (GDP) comes from innovation and entrepreneurship start-ups while the country’s major economic sectors are involved in high technology and industrial manufacturing.

Freeman said if its potential is properly harnessed, Nigeria can achieve a similar feat to boost its GDP and become a top destination for businesses globally.

He commended the innovation fellowship for aspiring inventors and researchers (i-Fair) programme aimed at encouraging innovations among Nigerian youths.

In his remark, Echono commended the Israeli ambassador for his visit and commitment to strengthening ties with TETFund in Nigeria’s quest for technological and economic development.

He also expressed optimism that Nigeria will benefit a lot from the partnership with Isreal.

“If innovation and entrepreneurship can provide 45% of Israel’s GDP, one can only imagine what 10 0r 20% will do to Nigeria’s GDP with our population,” he said.