The South Korea Ambassador to Nigeria, Kim Pankyu, said his country’s official development assistance (ODA) aims to promote and support Nigeria’s agriculture.

Mr Pankyu said this in Abuja on Tuesday.

The envoy said, “South Korea’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) is programmed to actively promote and support Nigeria’s agriculture and to help local farmers begin their own businesses.’’

According to him, the ODA programme is also aimed at promoting economic development and social welfare in developing countries.

Mr Pankyu said it was focusing on areas such as economic growth, poverty reduction and sustainable development.

The envoy, who said Nigeria had excellent agricultural conditions that included vast land, diverse vegetation and a variety of climates, 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 Han Sang-gi, conducted super cassava research at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Ibadan, Oyo State..

“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, has participated in multiple agricultural research and development co-operations so far. We also look forward to Nigeria’s joining the rice belt soon,” he added.

The ambassador urged the Nigerian government to join the Saemaul movement and its new village movement.

According to him, the Saemaul movement is the key driving force in Korea’s remarkable development in rural areas during the 1970s and 1980s.

He said, “It takes a very fundamental approach by neutralising the positive mindset of the people with the values of diligence, self-care and cooperation. I believe with Nigeria’s 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 projects by the Republic of Korea will be held via the Korea International Cooperation Agency’s (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 also stressed the need for dialogue and collaboration in order to expand Korean companies to aid cooperation in Nigeria.

He stated, “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)