The South Korea Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Kim Pankyu, says his country’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) aims to promote and support Nigeria’s agriculture.
Pankyu said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.
“South Korea’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) is programmed to actively promote and support Nigeria’s agriculture, to help local farmers begin their own businesses,’’ envoy said.
According to him, the ODA programme is also aimed at promoting economic development and social welfare in developing countries.
Pankyu said it was focusing on areas like economic growth, poverty reduction and sustainable development.
The envoy, who said Nigeria had excellent agricultural condition that included vast land, diverse vegetation and variety of climate, expressed South Korea’s readiness to support Nigeria’s efforts to promote food security with its skills and experiences.
He recalled that the history of Korea-Nigeria agricultural cooperation was over 50 years ago when Dr Han Sang-gi, conducted super cassava research at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Ibadan.
“Currently, various Korean initiatives are being implemented in the region, including KAFACI, which simply means Korea-Africa Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative.
“KAFACI is one of the largest agricultural initiatives in the region and the rice belt. Nigeria, as a member of KAFACI since its inauguration in 2010, had participated in multiple agricultural research and development cooperation so far.
“We also look forward to Nigeria’s joining of the rice belt soon,” he added.
The ambassador urged Nigerian government to join the Saemaul movement and its new village movement.
According to him, Saemaul movement is the key driving force in Korea’s remarkable development in rural areas, during the 1970s and 1980s.
“It takes a very fundamental approach by neutralising positive mindset of the people with the values of diligence, self-care and cooperation.
“I believe with Nigeria cooperation, we will be able to create a new society. With the Nigerian joint programme, agricultural cooperation between our two countries, we will further expand, based on those values.
“We expect that more ODA project by the Republic of Korea will be held via Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Nigeria Office, including the training programme and healthcare provision to farmers.
“I look forward to your continued interest on our contribution to Nigeria,” he said
He stressed the need for dialogue and collaboration in order to expand Korean companies to aid cooperation in Nigeria.
“For example, Samsung Heavy Industries launched a shipbuilding workforce support programme for Nigerians, using its training system.
“If Nigeria provides support for Korean investment, it can create a strong foundation for skilled Nigerian workers to enter the Korean job market. (NAN)
