In a bid to foster bilateral relationship between the two countries as well as reinforce the economic system of Nigeria, Japan said it is poised to further partnership with Nigeria in the area of digital technology through annual funding.
The Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Matsumnaga Kazuyoshi, disclosed this at the First Japan International Coporation Agency, JICA Chair in Nigeria, a programme organised to celebrate young Nigerians studying Japanese language held this week at the University of Abuja.
Ambassador Kazuyochi encouraged the members of public to see JICA programme as a way to share Japanese Experience and Explore Diverse Road-Maps for the future of both countries.
According to him, Japan studies and culture in Nigeria will earn Nigerians opportunities like: Next Scholarship research students for post graduate student, undergraduate students, College of Technology and Specialized Training.
The development cooperation of JICA is to grow Nigeria Economy in Health sector and sustain Peace and stability in the North East of Nigeria.
On her part, The Nigeria Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, ably represented by the Assistant Chief Planning Officer, International Coporation Department of the Ministry, Ms. Hajia Fatima, said that Nigeria is collaborating with Japanese for nurturing future leader in various skill, and expansion of opportunities for study Japanese Development Experience overseas.
According to her, the hopeful for this noble initiative leading to the establishment of Japan language and culture institute in the University of Abuja last year through funding by the Japanese government is duly appreciated by the Federal government of Nigeria.
“It’s gratifying to state that the existing cordial Bilateral cooperation between Republic of Japan and Government of Republic of Nigeria through grant IDA project and technical assistance has brought about the significant social economy development in the three tiers of government and across various sectors of Nigeria Economy namely: Agriculture, Power, Transportation, Health and Education”, she said.
The Minister also added that programmes such as African Youth Exchange Scheme organized by Japanese Government in the past, whereby African youth in the age bracket of 35-40 years of age spent two weeks in Japanese Coast in pursuant of cultural exchange gain and social Economy among other things.
“This initiative is to bring Japanese Development Experience closer to the Nigeria people and it’s to deepening the cordial relationship between the two countries and opening the future opportunities between the two countries’.
“It’s worthy of mentioning that actions have reached the advance stages for signing off exchange of laws by our two Governments in respect of grant and support from Japanese Government through JICA Chair, to some ministries, Departments and Agencies for implementation of some sectoral projects that are in line with the aspiration of Nigeria Development plan 2021-2025 under the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning”.
According to the Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, he said that “by the time the Ambassador come here next time I want to tell you that more Nigerians and those who are currently studying will speak and write very well and be able to even exploit some Japanese Philosophy and culture”,
He also thank the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying,’ these two Ministry’s are gaint in Nigeria even if we want to pull what we are planning in foreign languages there is no doubt that the ministry will be part of us there.
On his part, JICA Nigeria Office Representative, Mr. Yuzurio Susumu, called on Nigerian parents and guidance to allow their children to know more about Japanese Development Experience and Culture, he said, “we have over one thousand students that are in the cycle of Japanese Development Experience and Culture, that will be a life time experience between Nigeria and Japan.”
