In a bold and visionary move, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with the State of Israel aimed at transforming the state’s agriculture, technology, and healthcare sectors.
This strategic collaboration is poised to significantly boost Plateau State’s economic growth, improve local livelihoods, and elevate its global standing in key industries. The Governor made this announcement during a recent courtesy visit by Michael Freeman, Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria to the Plateau state capital, Jos.
Governor Mutfwang expressed great optimism about the immense potential of the partnership, emphasizing the remarkable similarities between Plateau State and Israel in terms of climate and geography. He noted that the topography and weather conditions in Plateau State are well-suited for agricultural innovation, providing an excellent foundation for cooperation in this critical sector.
The Governor underscored that his administration’s priority is to revolutionize Plateau’s agricultural sector not only to meet local needs but to become a major global player in food exports.
“In many respects, Plateau State and Israel have similar weather patterns and topography, and we are blessed with abundant natural resources. Our priority is to enhance the agricultural sector, not just for local consumption, but for global exports as well.
“However, we recognise the challenges in storage and preservation, and we are eager to leverage Israel’s expertise in these areas to maximize productivity,” Governor Mutfwang said.
With the partnership, the governor is keen to address the persistent challenges of food storage and preservation that have long hindered Plateau State’s agricultural growth.
By incorporating Israel’s world-class technologies in these areas, the Governor hopes to not only minimize food waste but also increase the value of agricultural produce, ensuring sustainability and boosting the economy.
Further emphasising the transformative potential of the collaboration, Governor Mutfwang turned his attention to Plateau State’s livestock farming industry. He pointed out that the state has vast natural resources that can be harnessed for livestock farming, and Israel’s experience in animal husbandry and dairy farming will be crucial to this process. With Israeli expertise, Governor Mutfwang is confident that Plateau can significantly improve the quality and quantity of its meat and dairy products, both for local consumption and export.
“We are committed to revitalizing our livestock sector, and Israel’s advanced animal husbandry techniques will be invaluable in achieving this. The goal is not just to meet local demand but to position Plateau as a leading producer of meat and dairy in the state,” the governor declared.
Governor Mutfwang’s ambition extends beyond agriculture, as he also revealed his administration’s commitment to establishing a Faculty of Medicine at Plateau State University, Bokkos.
The aim, he said, is to make Plateau State a hub for medical tourism, offering world-class healthcare services that would attract visitors both within Nigeria and internationally. Governor Mutfwang sees Israel’s leadership in medical technology as an essential catalyst for realising this vision.
“Developing our capacity for medical tourism is a key priority for us. Plateau State’s favorable climate already offers natural health benefits, but with the right infrastructure and medical technology, we can become a destination for world-class medical care. Israeli innovation in medical technology will be instrumental in making this a reality,” the governor said.
In a further gesture of solidarity, Governor Mutfwang took a moment to address the issue of security, a concern that both Plateau State and Israel share. He condemned the abduction of Israeli hostages by Hamas and linked it to the security challenges faced by Plateau State, particularly the abduction of citizens.
Governor Mutfwang expressed hope that the partnership with Israel would provide valuable insights into strengthening security measures in the state, ensuring the safety of its residents.
“We are all aware of the security challenges that have faced both Israel and Plateau State, especially the issue of abductions. This partnership, we hope, will also provide us with important knowledge on enhancing security and protecting our people,” the governor stated.
Mutfwang expressed his commitment to ensuring that the partnership would bring tangible benefits to the people of Plateau State, fostering sustainable development and creating a brighter future for all.
“We are committed to ensuring that this partnership brings concrete benefits to Plateau State. By working closely with Israel, we can unlock opportunities for economic growth, improve our healthcare system, and elevate Plateau’s agricultural sector to global standards,” the governor said.
Ambassador Michael Freeman, in his remarks, outlined Israel’s extensive experience in agricultural technologies and innovation, especially the pioneering drip irrigation system that has revolutionized farming in arid regions.
The Ambassador stressed that Israel’s expertise in sustainable agricultural practices, such as drip irrigation, can offer Plateau State an opportunity to improve food production while conserving vital water resources. The Ambassador highlighted how Israel has successfully used drip irrigation to reduce water consumption in rice farming, transforming the agricultural landscape.
“Drip irrigation has transformed agriculture, especially in water-scarce regions. For instance, in rice farming, this method cuts water usage from 5,000–6,000 liters per kilogram to just 1,500 liters. Implementing such innovative solutions in Plateau State will enhance food security, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and drive economic development,” the Ambassador explained.
The Ambassador reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to providing Plateau State with access to state-of-the-art technologies and to engaging in a robust exchange of knowledge that will drive long-term prosperity in the state.
He expressed confidence that the partnership would pave the way for the development of Plateau State’s agricultural potential, elevating it to new heights.
Freeman also underscored Israel’s readiness to assist Plateau State in advancing its healthcare system, particularly through the provision of cutting-edge medical technologies and expertise. Israel’s leadership in biotechnology, medical research, and healthcare innovation will play a critical role in realizing the vision of making Plateau State a center for medical excellence.
“This partnership is not just about agriculture and technology; it is also about advancing the healthcare infrastructure in Plateau State. Israel has a long history of providing medical solutions that have saved countless lives worldwide, and we are excited to share our knowledge and experience with Plateau State to help it achieve its health goals,” the Israeli Ambassador stated.
The discussions between the Plateau State Government and the Israeli delegation also touched upon security, where Israel offered its expertise in counterterrorism, border security, and crisis management.
The Ambassador expressed a willingness to assist Plateau in addressing its security concerns, emphasizing that Israel’s vast experience in this area could prove invaluable to Plateau State.
“Security is key to the success of any development project, and Israel is prepared to share its best practices in this regard. We believe that through collaboration, Plateau State can enhance its internal security measures and create a safer environment for its citizens,” Freeman said.
The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from both sides to move forward with practical steps to implement the partnership. Both the Plateau State Government and Israel agreed to form a working group to explore specific areas of collaboration and set a clear timeline for the rollout of key projects in agriculture, healthcare, and security.
This strategic partnership between Plateau State and Israel is a significant milestone in the state’s development agenda. With Israel’s proven expertise in agriculture, technology, and healthcare, Plateau State is well-positioned to achieve long-term success and become a model of sustainable development for other states in Nigeria and beyond.
The collaboration promises to enhance food security, improve healthcare access, and boost technological innovation, setting Plateau State on the path to a prosperous future.
