Date: 2012-03-08

ISRAEL has pledged to collaborate with the Kwara State government to ensure the success of its agriculture project, just as it plans to transform the state into an agriculture destination.

This pledge was made by the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Moshe Ram, during a visit to  Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, on Thursday, in Ilorin.

The ambassador, who expressed optimism about the readiness of  Kwara State to leverage on the success of the Shonga experience, said Israel was prepared to collaborate with Kwara in agriculture and security, adding 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, invited the state government to attend the agricultural exhibition taking place in Israel in May this year.

Also speaking, Governor Ahmed reinstated his administration's commitment to turning around the agricultural  sector in 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," Ahmed continued, "agriculture has the potential of positively engaging the youth, thereby reducing the level of insecurity and also creating wealth for national growth and development."

On security, Governor Ahmed said it was a global challenge, and commended the current efforts by the Federal Government to ensure internal security and protect the territorial integrity of the nation.