The Republic of Korea has partnered with Nigeria’s Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency and the United Nations Development Programme to establish an entrepreneurship centre in Abuja to support hundreds of young entrepreneurs and start-ups.

The Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Jeong Yoan, announced this Friday at the country’s National Day celebration in Abuja, saying the centre is part of efforts to turn young Nigerians’ business ideas into viable enterprises.

He said the project, for which the three organisations broke ground in September, reflected Korea’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with Nigeria through youth entrepreneurship, education, agriculture and technology transfer. BuyMaps. “Our shared goal is simple: more opportunities for young people, stronger local businesses, and better lives for our people,” Yoan said.

The ambassador said Korea’s Smart School project, implemented in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission, had reached 8,000 children and trained more than 300 teachers and school leaders.He added that the Korea International Cooperation Agency and the Food and Agriculture Organisation were collaborating on initiatives to create green jobs for young people in agriculture.

According to him, about 2,000 Nigerian officials have received training in Korea through KOICA programmes. BuyMaps

Yoan said the two countries, which established diplomatic relations in 1980, had strengthened their partnership through cooperation, mutual respect and people-to-people exchanges.

He described Nigeria’s young population as one of its greatest strengths, adding that Korea was committed to working with the country as an equal partner.“We do not come with all the answers. We come as friends and partners, ready to share, learn, and grow together,” he said.

The ambassador also highlighted the contributions of Korean companies, including Daewoo E&C, LG, Samsung, Hyundai and Solpia, which he said were working with Nigerian partners in energy, manufacturing, clean water and digital technology. BuyMa. He said the Korean Embassy, in collaboration with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, would continue to promote investment, technology sharing and local employment.

Yoan also identified cultural exchanges as an important part of bilateral relations, citing Nigerian interest in Korean popular music, films, television dramas and beauty products, as well as Korea’s appreciation of Afrobeats and Nollywood. BuyMaps

Reflecting on Korea’s development, he recalled that the country endured colonial rule, national division, and the devastation of the Korean War before rebuilding its economy with support from its people and the international community.

He said that in 1953, Korea remained divided, much of its infrastructure lay in ruins, and its annual income per person was below $100.According to him, investment in education, the Korean people’s determination, and international assistance helped the country recover and make significant progress.

Yoan said Korea’s founding philosophy, Hongik Ingan, meaning “to benefit all humanity,” continued to guide its approach to cooperation and international relations.

He called for greater commitment to peace, human dignity and international cooperation, saying diplomacy required countries to listen to one another, respect differences and seek common ground.The reception, held to mark Korea’s National Foundation Day, featured Korean cuisine and a Taekwondo performance.

The ambassador thanked the Nigerian government, diplomatic community, United Nations partners and other stakeholders for supporting relations between the two countries. Buy