The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has expressed concerns about continued tensions in the Middle East, accusing Iran and its proxies of undermining efforts aimed at achieving stability and lasting peace. Speaking in Abuja at the celebration of Israel's 78th Independence Anniversary, the envoy said the people of the region deserve a future devoid of violence and conflict. He warned that it was time to stop Iran and other non-state actors from holding the future of the region hostage.
"Let the Middle East choose cooperation over conflict, prosperity over violence, hope over hatred. The people of Israel deserve peace. The people of Lebanon deserve peace. The people of the entire Middle East deserve peace," he said.
Freeman used the occasion to reiterate Israel's commitment to peace in the region. Speaking 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, the vision remains central to Israel's outlook despite decades of conflicts and security challenges. Freeman noted that agreements such as the Abraham Accords have demonstrated the benefits of cooperation and peaceful engagement among nations.
Deepening Nigeria-Israel Relations
Speaking on Nigeria-Israel relations, the envoy noted that Israel was committed to strengthening collaboration with Nigeria through practical investments capable of improving livelihoods and creating opportunities. He unveiled fresh initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation with Nigeria, including in agriculture, healthcare, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He added that cooperation between both countries is also yielding results in entrepreneurship, agriculture, healthcare, education, and innovation.
"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 said.
Entrepreneurship and Agriculture
The ambassador announced that Israel will support a fifth cohort of an entrepreneurship programme coming up in 2027, which will provide 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.
Healthcare Support
In the healthcare sector, Freeman announced that Israel had donated three fully equipped ambulances to Nigeria. "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," he said. Freeman stressed that the strength of the relationship between Israel and Nigeria would be measured by tangible outcomes rather than official statements.
Nigeria's Commitment to Bilateral Ties
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.
