The State of Kuwait has reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a leading financial, commercial, and cultural hub in the Middle East by 2035. As part of its global humanitarian efforts, Kuwait has pledged to support 200,000 out-of-school children in Nigeria.
This announcement was made by the Kuwaiti Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Salim Khalifa Almuzayen, during the celebration of Kuwait’s 64th National Day and 34th Liberation Day anniversary in Abuja.
While emphasizing Kuwait’s diplomatic approach rooted in moderation, Almuzayen called for global collaboration in achieving the country’s 2035 vision. He highlighted Kuwait’s long-standing constitutional framework, which promotes inclusive governance and participatory decision-making.
“On this occasion, we take pride in Kuwait’s democratic system, which has been a defining feature of our nation since its inception. Our constitution ensures citizen participation in decision-making, reflecting our political leadership’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles,” Almuzayen stated.
Reflecting on Kuwait-Nigeria relations, the envoy described their ties as excellent and historically significant, dating back to the 1960s. He noted that the establishment of the Al-Sabah School in Kaduna State during that period underscored the depth of their bilateral relationship and signaled future opportunities for cooperation.
“The long-standing relations between Kuwait and Nigeria have continued to flourish. The establishment of the Al-Sabah School in Kaduna in the 1960s stands as a testament to our shared history and the potential for further collaboration in various sectors,” Almuzayen remarked.
As part of Kuwait’s commitment to education and development in Nigeria, Almuzayen announced that approximately 200,000 children would benefit from the “Reaching Out-of-School Children” project, funded by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in partnership with UNICEF.
“We are proud to support this pioneering initiative in Kaduna State, aimed at providing access to quality education for over 200,000 students, in collaboration with esteemed partners such as UNICEF,” he stated.
In response, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, acknowledged the robust diplomatic relationship between the two countries, which was formally established in 1971. Tuggar, represented by Adeolu Okenla, Senior Counselor for the Middle East and Gulf Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended Kuwait’s contributions to regional peace and development, particularly within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
“Nigeria appreciates Kuwait’s role in promoting stability and development in the Middle East, particularly through its engagement within the Gulf Cooperation Council, alongside Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman,” Tuggar stated.
He also praised Kuwait’s free education policy, which has contributed to the country’s remarkable 96.46% adult literacy rate, describing it as a model for educational advancement.
With Kuwait’s continued engagement in humanitarian and educational initiatives in Nigeria, both nations look forward to strengthening their partnership in the years to come.
