The Plateau State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with Israel in agriculture, technology, and medicine to drive economic growth and development.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang stated this during a courtesy visit by the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, at the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos. He noted that Plateau and Israel share similar climate and topography, presenting opportunities for collaboration.
The Governor mentioned his administration’s strategic focus on agricultural transformation, aiming to boost food production and position the state as a major export hub.
“In many respects, Plateau State and Israel have similar weather patterns and topography, and we are blessed with abundant natural resources. Our priority is to enhance the agricultural sector, not just for local consumption, but for global exports as well. However, we recognise the challenges in storage and preservation, and we are eager to leverage Israel’s expertise in these areas to maximise productivity,” the Governor stated.
He also emphasised the importance of livestock development, adding that Plateau State stands to benefit significantly from Israel’s advanced techniques in animal husbandry and dairy farming.
In the health sector, Governor Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s plan to establish a Faculty of Medicine at Plateau State University, Bokkos, stressing the crucial role Israeli expertise would play in achieving this vision.
“Developing our capacity for medical tourism is a key priority for us. Plateau State’s favourable climate already offers natural health benefits, but with the right infrastructure, we can become a destination for world-class medical care. Israeli innovation in medical technology will be instrumental in making this a reality,” he added.
On security, the governor condemned the abduction of Israeli hostages by Hamas, drawing parallels with the security challenges in Plateau State. He expressed hope that engagements with the Israeli delegation would provide insights into strengthening security measures in the state.
In his remarks, Ambassador Freeman highlighted Israel’s groundbreaking agricultural technologies, particularly drip irrigation, which has revolutionised farming by increasing crop yields while reducing water consumption.
“Drip irrigation has transformed agriculture, especially in water-scarce regions. For instance, in rice farming, this method cuts water usage from 5,000–6,000 litres per kilogram to just 1,500 litres. Implementing such innovative solutions in Plateau State will enhance food security, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and drive economic development,” Ambassador Freeman stated.
He reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to knowledge-sharing and technology transfer, adding that the partnership would unlock new opportunities for growth and prosperity in Plateau State.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment from both parties to explore concrete steps towards implementing these collaborations to ensure long-term benefits for the people of Plateau State.
