…As Israeli envoy says 134 Israelis held hostage by Hamas in 181 days
From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
i-FAIR, a programme for entrepreneurs and innovators established by the State of Israel, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has graduated a total number of 12 companies in Abuja.
Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, while speaking during the graduation ceremony, said the event celebrated a transformative nine-month mentorship programme for budding innovators and entrepreneurs. Freeman also said the initiative epitomized the collaboration and innovation pivotal to the Israel-Nigeria relationship.
Freeman stated that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda resonated deeply with the ethos of the i-FAIR programme, championing empowerment, growth, and prosperity for Nigeria.
“With a focus on nurturing the talents of our youth, this programme aligns seamlessly with President Tinubu’s vision of propelling Nigeria towards excellence, notably in the digital economy where job creation is paramount,” Freeman said.
The Israeli envoy further said the graduating cohort, comprising twelve companies spanning health, climate change, and agriculture, embodied the spirit of innovation and resilience. Freeman added that the symbiotic collaboration between mentors from Israel and Nigeria underscored the power of partnership in fostering knowledge exchange and mentorship.
“Despite, or maybe because of the occasion today, it is vital that we also acknowledge the events in Israel and the brutality of the Hamas terror regime, who continue to hold 134 innocent hostages. Today they have been in captivity for 181 days. We demand their immediate and unconditional release.
“As we applaud the achievements of our graduates today, let us embrace the future with optimism and determination. Together, we possess the power to nurture the talents of our youth, fortify the bonds between our nations, and carve a path towards a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
Also speaking, Minster of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said the event revitalized the resolve to continue to be the midwife that helps Nigerians, regardless of tribe, tongue or religion, to birth their exceptional ideas into the world of reality and tangibility.
“Above all, as an unapologetically proud Nigerian, may I remind you that once upon a time, when time was measured with sand and virtual communication was considered witchcraft; from here to the world, we crafted masterpieces with gold, designed legal tenders, made medicines from herbs and roots, and our lingual invention was a thing of wonder,” Tijani said.
The minister further hailed the Embassy of Israel for the impactful initiative, even as he expressed gratitude to TETFUND, Air Peace and other partners, contributors and mentors.