The Lagos State Government has expressed its readiness to tap into the agriculture expertise of Israel for greater benefit.

The State Governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode said this as he received the Ambassador of State of Israel to Nigeria, Mr Guy Feldman on courtesy visit at Lagos House, Ikeja.

Cordial relationship
Governor Ambode said;“it was time for Nigeria and Israel to take full advantage of their long-standing cordial relationship especially by laying greater emphasis on opportunities that would benefit both countries.”

The Governor who was excited by the visit said that as the

economic capital of Nigeria, Lagos was open to partnership that would impact the people positively.

According to him “Lagos remains the heartbeat of Nigeria. We pride ourselves as the most populated and the commercial capital of Nigeria, as well as the fifth largest economy in Africa.”

 “We know that Israel is one of the huge tech-savvy countries that you have across the world and obviously for a city that is growing and still counting, we believe strongly that this visit is more instructive for us and we would like to take advantage of the technological advancement that we see across the world being done by mostly Israelis and also things that have to do with agricultural expertise,’’ the Governor stated.

Protection of foreigners
He promised that his government would continue to protect foreigners including Israelis and all Lagosians. He stressed that in the last 22 months, concerted efforts have been geared towards security and judicial sector reforms as government remained very high in keeping the city safe.

Mr Guy Feldman said he was at Lagos House to strengthen relationship with State, being the heartbeat of Nigeria.

“Nigeria is not only the giant of Africa and whatever people might think, Africa is on the verge of huge success globally and looking at Nigeria, I am sitting at the centre of its beating heart (Lagos) and you can feel that actually.

“This is my first visit out of Abuja and looking at the tone of our reception by the Governor, I am certain we are in for a cordial relationship,” Mr Feldman explained.

The Israeli envoy however expressed optimism of moments that would engender robust relationship and enhance development of both countries even beyond Agriculture.