By Favour Ulebor
The Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to peace in the Middle East while unveiling fresh initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation with Nigeria in agriculture, healthcare, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Freeman made the remarks on Monday evening in Abuja during the celebration of Israel’s 78th Independence Day anniversary.
Reflecting on Israel’s founding vision, the ambassador recalled the words of Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, who at independence called for peace and cooperation among nations.
According to him, that vision remains central to Israel’s outlook today despite decades of regional conflicts and security challenges.
Freeman noted that agreements such as the Abraham Accords have demonstrated the benefits of cooperation and peaceful engagement among nations.
The envoy, however, expressed concern over continuing tensions in the region, accusing Iran and its proxies of undermining efforts aimed at achieving stability and lasting peace.
He said the people of the region deserve a future free from violence and conflict.
He said, “The people of Israel deserve peace. The people of Lebanon deserve peace. The people of the entire Middle East deserve peace.
“It is time to stop allowing Iran and other extremists and outside actors to hold the future of our region hostage. Let the people of the Middle East choose cooperation over conflict, prosperity over violence, hope over hatred.”
Speaking on Nigeria–Israel relations, Freeman said Israel was committed to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria through practical investments capable of improving livelihoods and creating opportunities.
He said cooperation between both countries is already yielding results in entrepreneurship, agriculture, healthcare, education and innovation.
He said, “We are expanding cooperation in innovation, agriculture, healthcare, security, education and skills development, not because these are acts of charity. They are investments in a shared future.”
The ambassador announced that Israel would support a fifth cohort of an entrepreneurship programme in 2027, providing young Nigerian entrepreneurs with mentorship and opportunities to grow their businesses.
He also highlighted ongoing collaboration in agriculture, describing the sector as one of the strongest pillars of Nigeria-Israel relations.
According to him, vegetables presented to guests during the celebration were produced by Nigerian farmers using Israeli seedlings and technology.
He said the donation symbolises the growing partnership between both countries and their shared commitment to improving lives.
In the healthcare sector, Freeman announced that Israel had donated three fully equipped ambulances to Nigeria.
He said, “As you leave this evening, you will receive a box of vegetables. These vegetables were grown from Israeli seedlings using Israeli technology, but grown by Nigerian farmers on Nigerian soil.
“Hold that box for a moment and think about what it represents. Not vegetables, possibility. Imagine that success multiplied across Nigeria. Higher yields, stronger rural communities, greater food security, and millions upon millions of lives improved.
“Today, I am also pleased to announce that the first three fully equipped ambulances donated by Israel are on their way to Nigeria.
“These ambulances will help save lives. But they are more than vehicles, they are a symbol of partnership. They are a symbol of what can happen when countries choose cooperation over division and solutions over slogans.”
Freeman stressed that the strength of the relationship between Israel and Nigeria would be measured by tangible outcomes rather than official statements.
Also speaking, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, congratulated Israel on its 78th Independence Anniversary and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to stronger bilateral relations.
The minister said both countries share common values rooted in innovation, creativity and development.
She noted that Nigeria’s growing creative economy presents opportunities for deeper collaboration with Israel in technology, innovation, culture and the creative industries.
Musawa said cultural exchange remains a powerful tool for strengthening international relations and creating economic opportunities for citizens of both countries.
She expressed optimism that the friendship between Nigeria and Israel would continue to grow through cooperation, innovation and people-to-people engagement.
