Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Cui Jianchun has assured Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi of Chinese government readiness to partner with the state in the development of her knowledge Zone project, utilization of nuclear science and technology.
He gave the assurance, when he led experts from China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and other Chinese delegation on a courtesy visit to Fayemi in Ado-Ekiti.
Ambassador Jianchun, who was also accompanied by the Director General, Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), Professor Yusuf Ahmed, was in the state for a three day feasibility study of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone and how to apply nuclear technology in the development of agriculture, health, biotechnology, education and other critical sectors of the State.
He explained that Ekiti state’s partnership with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) would promote understanding on how to peacefully apply nuclear energy to serve the people of the State.
The Ambassador said he had 23 years working experience with CNNC, optimistic that the partnership with China in development of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone project would attract more supports from Chinese community not only in Nigeria but in other places.
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Fayemi explained that his administration was passionate about knowledge generation, development and transmission as well as wealth creation for the benefit of the people of the State.
The Governor added that the state also holds in high esteem its partnership with China.
He expressed the readiness of the state to explore nuclear energy in the development of agriculture, education, health, biotechnology and whole range of other sectors to the advantage of the entire people of the State.
Fayemi said, “We are very passionate with our link with China. Chinese companies have been very active in our state and we have a number of our projects, including current projects that are being worked on by CCECC particularly we also have other projects being handled by TNJ in the State but we have a very good relationship with CCECC and to that extent you will see some of the projects when you go round.
“We are committed to this, we are passionate about it and I am sure that when we get into full discussion towards the next two days we are going to be able to explore the entire gamut of this efforts, agriculture, biotechnology, healthcare all of those areas that we believe can be of huge advantage to us, we are ready to go, we are very pleased that you are here and we know that this is the beginning of a segment of the continued partnership that we had with yourself and with our own team, NAEC from Abuja.”