Korea donates food items to 300 vulnerable households in Abuja
The Korean Government, through Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the agency responsible for the administration of aid programs for developing countries, has donated food items to 300 vulnerable households in Piwoyi Community in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Lee In-Tae (Rtd. Maj.Gen) said the donation was to complement the efforts of the Nigerian government to provide palliatives to families who have been affected economically due to the covid-19 pandemic.
The Ambassador, who led the exercise, praised the effort of the Federal Government of Nigeria toward alleviating the suffering of the people and called for greater solidary to defeat COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the Korean Government will continue to work with Nigeria to further improve collaborations that will deliver more benefits to the people of both nations.
A statement from KOICA office in Abuja said the community was selected because it hosts the Nigeria Korea Model School (NKMS).
NKMS is a centre of excellence and is perceived as the foundation for multimedia teaching and learning of basic education in Nigeria.
The project started in 2013 with an agreement signed between Korea and Nigeria.
The multimedia-based educational centre started its first academic session in September 2018.
Over 70 teachers and school administrators were trained in Korea, while dozens of others were trained in Nigeria.
Mr In-Tae expressed optimism that the project will contribute to promoting the friendly relations between the people of Korea and Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador shared his country’s experience in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said, “The Republic of Korea was one of the first countries hit by the COVID-19, and we had to swiftly identify a solution against an aggressive virus.
“The Korean people made a bold decision. We prioritised our collective freedom over personal gain. We placed safety and kindness towards our neighbour more significant over stigmatization and isolation.
“We actively took responsibility to wear the face mask and adhere to social distancing yet our hearts fonder and grew closer. Our health professionals tenaciously offered services while citizens showed kindness in acts of sharing.
“In recent times, Korea is transitioning even though total victory over the virus is not attained.
“We are the first to hold a national election during the pandemic, the national baseball and footballs leagues have resumed, schools and places of worship are re-opening yet with little or no infection recorded.
“Our idea of protecting our neighbours extends beyond our shores, while others kept their borders closed, we kept our arms open ensuring all measures to protect our friends and citizens were strictly adhered to.”
The Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Lee In-Tae (Rtd. Maj.
Gen) delivers speech
The Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Lee In-Tae and the Country Director of KOICA Nigeria Office, Mr. Chang Woo-Chan
delivers food supplies
People from the Piwoyi Community participates in the
donation ceremony
Group photo of the participants at the donation ceremony