12th June, 2014
Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta
Ogun State government received a boost Wednesday when German Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, Dr. Geah Mueller commended Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his team for the giant strides recorded the past three years.
Mueller said that the development policies of Governor Amosun made his country to consider extending its hands of fellowship.
The German diplomat led a powerful delegation to hold talks with Amosun in his Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta Office Wednesday.
“The development of your country has made us interested in working with you. Nigeria has now become the strongest economy in Africa and your government is particularly successful because of your good policies and that is why we are especially committed to expand our work to Ogun State”, Mueller said.
He said that the Germany is ready to partner with Ogun State and Nigeria at large, observing that, the state has rich resources, fair weather and good soil that will enable the state to feed itself. He added that Germany is also ready to help the state in the areas of road development, increasing agricultural productivity and vocational education, training as well as other areas as defined by the state.
The German Minister said the perception of people in Germany was marred by the Boko Haram insurgency, the kidnap of over 200 school girls and expressed hope that the menace will soon become a thing of the past in the country.
“But we have seen very good examples here today, a peaceful atmosphere and also interesting to know that women are actively involved in the politics in your state. We must not reduce your country to the image painted by the insurgency.
“Your country is big and magnificent, very strong women in your polity and this is why we want to expand our work here,” he stated.
Governor Amosun thanked the German government for the partnership with the state in the area of agriculture and particularly for joining forces with the country in the bid to fight insurgency.
Amosun stated that unemployment is a major challenge to the state and the country at large and sought the cooperation of the German government in this regard, noting that, his administration is more committed to keeping unemployed youths off the streets.
Amosun called for support in capacity building as he is more keen in the vocational and educational training of artisans and other professionals in the state, noting that, if the people of the state were adequately and gainfully employed, it would not only boost the economy of the state, but also improve their standard of living.
Highlight of the visit was the inspection by the German delegation of some projects and health facilities in the state.