Moved to improve key sectors like education, agriculture, technology and infrastructure, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has held strategic diplomatic discussions with the South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Vice Admiral (rtd.) KIM Pankyu, seeking for potential collaboration and partnership.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula made a available to journalists on Thursday revealed that the Governor who was accompanied during the visit by some key officials in his government, also sought for support for the establishment of a specialized bank, aimed at driving agricultural and technological development in Benue State, emphasizing also on the need for collaboration on renewable energy, agricultural mechanization and ICT.
While showcasing Benue state as a favourable investment destination the statement continued Governor Alia equally sought for ways of improving quality education in the state, through the smart school initiative, emphasizing also on the need for training programme for Benue State’s workforce in areas of South Korean expertise for skills and knowledge transfer.
Responding, the South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, KIM Pankyu, expressed happiness over the prospect of collaborating with Benue State and acknowledged the significance of Benue State as a sub-national entity in Nigeria.
He agreed that the potential areas of collaboration as highlighted by the Benue State governor, aligned with the Korean Government’s planned support to Nigeria and promised to reciprocate the visit and kind gesture of the Governor as soon as possible.
At the meeting there was exchange of cultural ideas and technical inputs, with both parties reiterating commitments to enhance cooperation and partnership for mutual benefits.