Date: 2012-03-07

Concerted efforts by the Kwara State Government to transform the State into an Agric city continues to yield fruits as the State of Israel pledged to collaborate with the State to ensure the success of the Agric project. This pledge was made by the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Moshe Ram during a courtesy visit to the State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, in Ilorin. The Ambassador, who expressed optimism about the readiness of the Kwara State to leverage on the success of the Shonga experience, said Israel is prepared to collaborate with Kwara in Agriculture and security, saying that the State could tap from the Israeli experience to promote economic activities between Kwara and Israel. The Israeli Ambassador who also presented a proposal to the governor for consideration said the state government is invited to attend the agricultural exhibition taking place in Israel in May this year. Responding, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, reinstated his administration's committed to turning around the agricultural fortunes of the State. "This is one area where we have comparative advantage. We have the soil and we have the climate. We also have the people who are deeply committed to Agriculture", the governor reaffirmed. "If properly managed", Alhaji Ahmed continued, "Agriculture has the potentials of positively engaging the youth, thereby reducing the level of insecurity and also creating wealth for national growth and development". Speaking further on security, Governor Ahmed said it was a global challenge and commended the current efforts by federal government to ensure internal security and protect the territorial integrity of the nation. Earlier, the Israel Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Moshe Ram said he was in the State to deliver a lecture at the University of Ilorin which prompted him to pay him a visit before living the State. 07/03/2012