By Peter Adelowo
The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has said the country will do everything needed to defend its people from the enemies led by Iranian government threatening to destroy the nation.
Ambassador Freeman, who spoke during the 77th Independence celebration on the state of Israel on Wednesday night in Abuja, said Israel has always dreamed of peace, with its neighbours and rest of the world.
He however, used the occasion to make some clarification on the position of State of Israel on the ongoing war in Gaza.
According to him, “I want to take this occasion to remind all of us here, and to remind the whole world : Israel never wanted and never chose this horrific war.
“Not this war, and not any of the wars that we have fought.
“All we have ever wanted is to return to Zion, to return to our ancient homeland, to build a flourishing state, to build a Jewish and democratic state. To build life. To build future. To have hope.
“We have only ever dreamed of peace, with all our neighbours and with all the nations of the world.”
Freeman, who is also the Permanent Representative of Israel to ECOWAS, said “And we will never cease striving for that vision.
“However, If our enemies, led by Iran, threaten to destroy us we will do everything we need to defend our people
“Let’s be clear, If tomorrow Hamas were to lay down their arms, the war in Gaza would be over
“If Israel were to lay down our arms, Hamas and others backed by Iran would wipe Israel off the face of the earth.
“Today 59 hostages still remain in captivity – starved, beaten and tortured in the Hamas terror tunnels of Gaza.
“And this is why we are continuing to operate in Gaza –, to bring them Home and to ensure Hamas can never carry out such atrocities ever again.
“But alongside the tragedy and terror, Israel and Israelis have shown incredible resilience.
“Israeli agriculture, technology, cyber, health, education, and much more lead the world – and we are excited to share that knowledge and expertise with our friends.’
On relationship with Nigeria, the Ambassador said, “And Nigeria is a friend of Israel – For over 60 years Israel and Nigeria have worked together in many different fields – and over the coming years our joint work is going to increase significantly.
“President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a call to action – and it is a call that Israel is proud to answer.
“In recent years, ifair has been one of our flagship programs.
“The first three versions of the incredibly successful ifair program for young Nigerian entrepreneurs and innovators have provided young Nigerians with mentorship and all the tools needed to take their ideas from theory to practice.
“Many ifair graduates now have growing businesses, employing fellow Nigerians and are contributing to economic growth in this country.
“It is why I am particularly excited that we will soon be launching a fourth cohort of ifair – and this time in partnership with the Nigerian government – a call for applications will be issued in the coming days.
“Beyond ifair, I am also excited that in the coming months we will be opening an innovation center in Lagos, based on the innovation centre here in Abuja – which if you haven’t visited yet, I encourage you to do so.
“As the world leader in agriculture and water management combined with our innovative approach to climate change, in 2025 we intend to work with both Federal and State governments to implement relevant and practical Israeli agriculture, water and climate change technology here in Nigeria.
“In the field of medicine, Israel is working to increase capacity and expertise in the Nigerian health care sector.
“We have established a successful partnership on pancreatic and biliary medicine and in the coming months will be expanding our relationship to spinal and optical expertise.
“I am convinced that these initiatives, together with our ongoing commitment to strong bilateral relations will ensure a brighter future for all of our children and grandchildren.”
Meanwhile, in a congratulatory message, the Executive Secretary, for Christians United For Israel Prayer Outreach Nigeria, CUFI, Rev. Dr. Samson Ozovehe, thanked God that the nation of Israel has attained 77 years.
Dr. Ozovehe, who was represented by the Interim National Coordinator for Christians United For Israel Prayer Outreach Nigeria, Evangelist Mati Acka, prayed for continuous victory for state of Israel against the enemies.
Rev. Ozovehe said, “Thank God the nation of Israel attained 77 years of her modern statehood.
“And the Christians United for Israel Prayer Outreach Nigeria, on behalf of the Christian community and all lovers of Israel, salute and bless the people and land of Israel at 77.
“Israel, the very source of the Christian Faith, KUFI Nigeria celebrates you and praises the God of Israel, continuously grants you astounding victories in Jesus name.
“Happy anniversary Israel, in solidarity and accordance with the scriptures in Isaiah 62 verse 1, for Zion’s sake I will not hold my peace, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her righteousness goes forth as the dawn and her salvation like a blazing torch.
“At the call of Israel avatar, Nigeria stands with you.”
