The Peoples Republic of Korea yesterday reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with Nigeria in advancing science and technology.
The Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Jon Choi, said this when he visited the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, in Abuja.
Choi said that the essence of sustaining the long existing cooperation between the two countries was to achieve common growth and development in science and technology.
He noted that science and technology is a critical sector in the development of a nation, adding that strengthening the cooperation would enable the two countries to maximise the potential in the sector.
“We, in Korea, are passionate about the people of Nigeria and eager to further our relationship in the area of science and technology.
“We have common interest in developing relations in science and technology because it is a key sector that drives the development of a country.
“In modern world, science and technology is a key index showing the level of development of a country.
“So, we must explore ways to collaborate in pushing ahead science and technology.”
The ambassador emphasized that Korea was able to advance development in spite of sanctions because the country placed priority in developing science and technology.
In his response, Onu said that Nigeria was committed to using science, technology and innovation to utilize more efficiently the enormous resources in the country.
According to the Minister, science, technology and innovations are central to the development of Nigeria.
“And this ministry occupies a central place in re-directing our economy from commodity-based to one based on knowledge.
“This collaboration is very critical because we want to fight and defeat extreme poverty in Nigeria.
“We want to use science, technology and innovations to create jobs and in turn our Gross domestic Product will continue to grow,” Onu said.
