The Republic of Korea says its Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Nigeria since 1991 totals more than 57 million U.S. dollars.
Mr Noh Kyu-duk, the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, made this known in Gwagwalada, FCT, during the 2017 International Day of Forest celebration.
He said that as a friend of Nigeria, Republic of Korea, also known as South Korea, was more than willing to support Nigeria and share its experience with Africa’s most populous country.
“We are willing to share our experience and assist Nigeria in its noble endeavours.
“Nigeria, under President Muhammadu Buhari, is on the right track and Nigeria, as the giant of Africa, has been wise not to overly focus on the economic development but also balance it with environmental sustainability.”
Kyu-duk said that he was glad to learn about Nigeria’s relentless efforts, particularly those of the Ministry of Environment, to tackle the effects of climate change and desertification in the country.
The envoy said that South Korea would continue to support and contribute to Nigeria’s quest for a sustainable and environment.
“As we celebrate the International Day of Forest with the Ministry of Environment, the Korean Government is contributing materials worth 130,000 U.S. dollars (about N40.9 million) as a token of the cordial relationship between the two countries.
“Forest covers over 60 percent of Republic of Korea today; our country was formerly tagged barren and brown mountains but our government, by designating April 5 as our Tree Planting Day, helped to achieve this feat.
“We began to actively engage in making the country green; the government not only encouraged people to plant trees but also designed and implemented plans to develop barren mountains suitable for afforestation,’’ he said.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the South Korean envoy donated a field truck and shovels to the Department of Forestry of Federal Ministry of Environment to mark the day. (NAN)
EPA/MOL/OOK
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