The federal government has stated its readiness to work
in collaboration with Israel on investment on youth
innovative and research programmes to tackle poverty in
the country.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo made this known in his
address at the Innovative Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors
and Researchers (i-FAIR-2) inaugural ceremony yesterday
in Abuja.
Osinbajo, who was represented at the
event by the Minister of Science and Technology,
Ogbonnaya Onu, said: “Nigeria was not just great in the
past, Nigeria will be one of the greatest nations on earth.”
I-FAIR-2 was organised by the Israeli Embassy in Nigeria
in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President and
Skill G Limited, Gregory University, and DeNovo, a private
sector-based organisation.
Osinbajo said: “President Muhammadu Buhari is working
very hard. and we will give him all necessary support to lay
the solid foundation for this to be achieved.
“There is no reason for Nigeria or even, Africa to be poor,
because we have everything that every other continent is
looking for, but these things were just placed there for us
by God.
“Other nations and continents come into Africa take these
resources to develop their countries and continent, so the
question is why can’t we do it?”
He added: “We have young men and women who can
compete; whenever young people who have dreams and
determined come together, and are prepared to work to
change the world, we must support them.
“So, we want to assure you that the government under
President Buhari will give you the support.”
Osinbajo commended the I-FAIR initiative to have enabled
young people realise their dreams, transform their ideas
into inventions and also convert them into useful
products.
He noted that Nigeria would no longer continue to import
things that Nigerians can produce, saying by so doing, jobs
were exported into other nation.
Speaking also, the Charge d’Affaires and acting
Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, Mr. Yotam Kreiman, said
the programme was put together amid challenges of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him, “To look back and see how far we have
come in the building of this initiative into platform that
elevate innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria, is
remarkable.
“Every person here has been invited to this event, because
of the part you play in advancing the cause of innovation
and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
“Israel invites all parties represented here to collaborate
and build more success stories like the I-FAIR initiative.
“To the mentors and participants of I-FAIR, I congratulate
you on the fascinating journey ahead of you for the next
six months, and I look forward to presenting your results
proudly.”
Also speaking, the Speaker, House of Representatives,
Femi Gbajabiamila, said there is need for the government
to encourage Nigerian youths to become innovators and
inventors.
Gbajabiamila was represented by member representing
Atisbo/Saki-West/Saki-East federal constituency, Oyo
State, and Chairman of Nigeria-Israel Friendship Group, Mr
Olajide Olatubosun.
He said: “50 per cent of GNP globally is from innovation,
and if Nigeria is not to be lagging behind, we have to do
everything possible to encourage young Nigerians.”
On his part, Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust
Fund (TETFund), Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, expressed
appreciation to Osinbajo for supporting the cause of youth
innovation.
“As the number two person in this country, he supports
youth innovation. In the 21st century, knowledge defines
the economy, and we cannot be different, amid
knowledge, it is innovative research that makes the
difference,” he said.