The Plateau State Government has reiterated its dedication to collaborating with Israel in agriculture, technology, and healthcare to foster sustainable development and economic progress.
Governor Mutfwang expressed this commitment during a courtesy visit from the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Freeman, at the Old Government House in Rayfield, Jos.
He emphasized that Plateau State and Israel share similar climatic and topographical features, creating significant opportunities for strategic partnerships.
The Governor outlined his administration’s strategic focus on transforming agriculture to enhance food production and establish Plateau State as a key export hub.
“Plateau State and Israel share similar climatic conditions and topography, along with an abundance of natural resources. Our goal is to strengthen the agricultural sector, not only to meet local demand but also to expand into global markets. However, we acknowledge the challenges of storage and preservation, and we seek to harness Israel’s expertise to improve productivity,” he stated.
He also underscored the significance of livestock development, noting that Plateau State could greatly benefit from Israel’s advanced practices in animal husbandry and dairy farming.
Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to launching a Faculty of Medicine at Plateau State University, Bokkos, highlighting the crucial role of Israeli expertise in bringing this vision to fruition.
He emphasized that enhancing medical tourism is a top priority for his administration. He noted that Plateau State’s favorable climate already offers natural health benefits, and with the right infrastructure, the state could become a hub for world-class medical care.
He highlighted the crucial role of Israeli innovation in medical technology in achieving this goal.
Addressing security concerns, the Governor condemned the abduction of Israeli hostages by Hamas, drawing comparisons to the kidnappings and security challenges in Plateau State.
He expressed optimism that discussions with the Israeli delegation would offer valuable insights into strengthening security measures and protecting citizens.
Israeli Ambassador Michael Freeman, in his remarks, provided an overview of Israel’s advanced agricultural technologies, particularly drip irrigation.
He explained how this method has revolutionized farming by increasing crop yields while significantly reducing water consumption.
“Drip irrigation has transformed agriculture, especially in water-scarce regions. For example, in rice farming, it reduces water usage from 5,000–6,000 liters per kilogram to just 1,500 liters. Implementing such innovations in Plateau State will boost food security, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and drive economic growth,” Ambassador Freeman stated.
He reiterated Israel’s dedication to knowledge-sharing and technology transfer, emphasizing that the collaboration would create new opportunities for growth and development in the Plateau State.
The meeting ended with both parties affirming their commitment to taking concrete steps toward implementing these initiatives, ensuring lasting benefits for the people of Plateau State.
