Israel has reiterated its commitment to peace in the Middle East while unveiling new initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation with Nigeria in innovation, agriculture and healthcare.
Speaking at events marking Israel’s 78th Independence Anniversary in Abuja, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, said his country remains firmly committed to the founding vision of peaceful coexistence, despite decades of regional conflict and security challenges.
Recalling Israel’s founding in 1948, Freeman cited the country’s first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, who advocated cooperation and peaceful relations with neighbouring states at the birth of the Israeli nation. He said that vision continues to guide Israel’s foreign policy today.
The ambassador pointed to the Abraham Accords as evidence that diplomacy and engagement can reshape relationships in the Middle East and promote economic growth, stability and innovation across the region.
However, Freeman accused Iran and allied groups of undermining peace efforts, citing recent tensions involving Lebanon and ongoing missile attacks on Israeli communities that have forced civilians into shelters.
According to him, the peoples of Israel, Lebanon and the wider Middle East deserve a future free from violence, stressing the need to end external interference in the region’s conflicts.
“It is time to stop allowing Iran and other extremists and outside actors to hold the future of our region hostage,” he said.
Beyond security issues, the envoy highlighted expanding relations between Israel and Nigeria, describing the partnership as one driven by innovation, entrepreneurship and shared development goals.
He announced that Israel will launch the fifth cohort of the Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (iFAIR) in 2027, aimed at supporting Nigerian innovators through mentorship, training and access to enterprise development networks.
Freeman said the programme has already helped young entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable businesses capable of generating employment, attracting investment and addressing social challenges.
He also underscored ongoing agricultural cooperation between both countries, noting that Israeli technologies and improved seedlings are being deployed by Nigerian farmers to boost productivity and strengthen food security.
Urging participants to examine agricultural exhibits showcased at the event, he said such innovations demonstrate the potential impact of deeper collaboration in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“Imagine that success multiplied across Nigeria—higher yields, stronger rural communities, greater food security, and millions upon millions of lives improved,” he said.
The ambassador further announced the donation of three fully equipped ambulances to Nigeria, describing the gesture as part of efforts to enhance emergency medical response and save lives.
He said Israel is committed to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in healthcare, education, security, agriculture, innovation and skills development, stressing that such partnerships are long-term investments rather than acts of charity.
Reflecting on Israel’s development trajectory, Freeman said the country had transformed from a resource-scarce state facing existential security threats into a global leader in technology, medicine, cybersecurity, water management and agriculture.
He attributed that transformation to a culture of innovation and resilience, adding that similar outcomes could be achieved through sustained collaboration with Nigeria.
“The future of Israel-Nigeria relations will not be defined by speeches. It will be defined by entrepreneurs who build companies, farmers who increase their harvests, doctors and paramedics who save lives, and young people who refuse to accept limitations,” he said.
The anniversary celebration highlighted growing diplomatic and economic ties between both countries, with renewed commitments to deepen cooperation in sectors critical to development, innovation and regional stability.
