Delta State Government is to explore the opportunity of tapping into the agricultural strides of Israel in boosting its agro-allied programmes.
The State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who dropped the hint when the President of Tailor Made Tours (TMT) in Israel, Mrs. Josephine Zinder paid him a visit in Asaba, said that the State Christian pilgrims visiting Israel will now tour established farm sites.
According to him, this will enable the State understudy the Israel’s approach to agriculture, boost the State agriculture and increase food production as well as create employment for the teeming youths.
Dr. Uduaghan said that as one of the biggest agricultural producers in the world, partnering with Israel would boost agriculture and enhance the State’s drive to build a “State beyond oil”.
The governor who said the state government will continue to sponsor pilgrims to Israel explained that apart from the spiritual reinvigoration, there was need for pilgrims to observe some of the developmental strides made by Israel.
His word, “We take responsibility in sponsoring our people to Isreal for spiritual rebirth. Apart from this spiritual rejuvenation, they should also learn about agriculture and this will make them contribute positively to our programme of Delta beyond oil”.
He commended the President of TMT for making pilgrimage to Israel stress-free especially for Deltans by always making comfortable arrangements for the State contingents.
Earlier, the president of TMT urged the State Government explore the available opportunities in the agricultural sector of Israel in addition to the spiritual benefits of visiting pilgrims.
Mrs. Zinder disclosed that TMT will assist to promote and sustain the bond between Delta State and Israel stressing that agriculture will be used as an avenue to open and fortify an alliance between Delta and Israel.
Her words, “Nigeria is a special friend to Israel and Delta state is a strong ally and we are going to use agriculture to cement the bond between Delta state and Israel”.
She also said that apart from the general agricultural investments Israel would be encouraged to exhibit special agricultural projects in Delta.
The President of TMT commended the state governor for accelerating infrastructural development in the state, citing the airport, street lights and some other projects as efforts that should be emulated by other states.
Mrs. Zinder also commended the governor for his commitment to the service of God and humanity especially his sponsorship of pilgrims and personal visit to the holy land