Shettima Urges Israel To Collaborate On i-FAIR Programme Expansion

Shettima Urges Israel To Collaborate On i-FAIR Programme Expansion....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged the Israeli government to extend the reach of its Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (i-FAIR) initiative to benefit more young Nigerians. He made this plea during a visit to the Innov8Hub center in Abuja, accompanied by Israel’s Foreign Ministry Director-General, Mr. Yaakov Blitshien, where he was represented by Mr. Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs.

Shettima praised Israel’s i-FAIR initiative for its positive impact on Nigerian youth and called for its expansion to allow more young Nigerians to participate. He emphasized the importance of international connections, additional capital, and mentorship opportunities from Israeli startups, noting their global reputation in scientific and technological innovation.

Blitshien acknowledged i-FAIR as a significant Israeli program in Nigeria that has achieved notable successes. He announced Israel’s commitment, in collaboration with partners like TETFund, to expand the program following Vice-President Shettima’s request to double its size.

Sonny Echono, Executive-secretary of TETFund, highlighted the program’s expansion supported by the Israeli embassy, including initiatives involving research labs and demonstration farms at specialized agricultural universities in Nigeria.

Michael Freeman, Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria, underscored the close collaboration between Israel and the Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu, expressing optimism about further joint projects and the positive impact on both nations.

Overall, the discussions centered on enhancing bilateral ties through innovative initiatives that benefit both Nigerian and Israeli communities.