- Sule hails EU collaboration prospects, eyes investment boost
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Ambassador Samuela Isopi, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, expressed honor and solidarity during her inaugural visit to Nasarawa State on Wednesday emphasizing the historical and geographical ties between the EU and Nigeria.
“It’s an honor to be in Nasarawa State and witness the European flag alongside the anthems of the European Union, Nigeria, and Nasarawa State. This display signifies our solidarity,” Ambassador Isopi remarked.
She acknowledged the delayed visit and highlighted Nasarawa’s pivotal position as a gateway to Abuja.
“Though our visit was delayed earlier this year, Nasarawa’s significance as a gateway to Abuja remains paramount,” Isopi acknowledged.
Highlighting the enduring relationship between the EU and Nigeria, Ambassador Isopi stressed their shared challenges and mutual interests.
“The European Union and Nigeria share a long-standing partnership, rooted in common interests and challenges. We stand together in addressing Nigeria’s internal challenges, recognizing the impact Nigeria has on us,” she stated.
Ambassador Isopi underscored the EU’s multifaceted engagement in Nigeria, addressing issues ranging from democratic governance, peace, and security to economic relations and climate change.
“As global players, both the European Union and Nigeria are pivotal on numerous issues. Our visit aims to deepen our ties with Nasarawa State. We’ll be inspecting a rice production site, funded by an EU program focusing on food security and nutrition enhancement,” Isopi detailed.
She also outlined the EU’s involvement in renewable energy initiatives and efforts to support interfaith dialogue for social cohesion in the state.
“Our commitment extends to renewable energy projects, rural electrification, and promoting social cohesion through interfaith dialogue to prevent tensions. We aim to support Nasarawa State in various capacities,” she assured.
Isopi expressed enthusiasm for future engagements, emphasizing a desire for larger collaborative visits.
“This visit marks the beginning of our engagement with Nasarawa. It’s not the last; we anticipate future visits with larger delegations,”
In his remarks, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule extended gratitude to the EU Ambassador for her visit to Nasarawa state, emphasizing the shared values between Nigeria, Nasarawa State, and the European Union.
“We appreciate the EU Ambassador’s visit and her kind words about Nasarawa State. Nigeria and Europe share common ground, with a significant Nigerian population in the UK and across Europe,” Governor Sule remarked, highlighting the mutual ties between the regions.
Governor Sule emphasized Nasarawa State’s commitment to aligning with the EU’s principles of peace, security, democracy, and social cohesion.
“Nasarawa State shares similar values with the EU, particularly in peace, security, and democratic processes. We are open to investment in various sectors including agriculture, clean energy, oil and gas, and solid mineral development, with a special emphasis on lithium,” the Governor stated.
He further outlined the state’s focus on education, vocational training, and employment opportunities for youth empowerment.
“We are dedicated to promoting education, skills, and vocational training to empower our youth, address unemployment, and foster self-reliance,” Governor Sule emphasized.
Expressing delight at the EU Ambassador’s intention to lead a team to Nasarawa in 2024, Governor Sule highlighted the state’s agricultural potential and ongoing investor interest.
“We are pleased with the Ambassador’s plan to lead an EU team to Nasarawa next year. We boast vast agricultural potential, notably as the leading producer of sesame seeds in the country.
Investors have shown interest in sesame processing, and by early next year, we anticipate the establishment of the first sesame seed processing company in the state,” he announced.
The Governor also shed light on Nasarawa’s prospects in yam, rice, cassava, and sugar cane production, emphasizing the state’s readiness to support investors through a streamlined process via Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA).
“Our state holds significant promise in yam, rice, cassava, and sugar cane production. We are committed to supporting investors through NASIDA, providing a one-stop-shop for investment facilitation,” Governor Sule added.
Governor Sule reiterated the state’s dedication to fostering interfaith harmony and welcoming initiatives promoting the same.
“We prioritize interfaith harmony and welcome initiatives that promote unity and understanding among all communities,” Governor Sule affirmed.