Korea overturned a 12–16 deficit with a decisive 15–0 run late in the first quarter, forcing four turnovers and taking a 17–16 lead through Jihyun Park’s three-pointer.

That surge shifted momentum as Korea stretched the margin to double digits midway into the second quarter, combining aggressive defence with balanced scoring.

Jihyun Park led Korea with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists, shooting 8-of-13 from the field and 3-of-5 from three-point range.

Leeseul Kang added 20 points and three assists, while Jisu Park recorded 11 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and four blocks to dominate the paint.

Victoria Macaulay scored 22 points and grabbed six rebounds for Nigeria, but five turnovers and defensive pressure limited the team’s comeback chances.

Nigeria’s best response was a 7–0 run late in the second quarter, cutting the deficit from 34–25 to 34–32, with all seven points from Macaulay.

Korea led for 31 minutes, 35 seconds and pushed their biggest advantage to 19 points late in the fourth quarter to seal the comfortable victory.

The result strengthens Korea’s position in Group A, highlighting disciplined defence and balanced offence in their campaign at the global qualifying tournament in France.

Source: NAN

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The latest development comes as a 90-day pause the White House placed on some of its most aggressive import taxes was set to expire this week.

The president renewed his threat of a 25% tax on products entering the country from Japan and South Korea and shared a batch of other letters to world leaders warning of levies from 1 August.

Higher tariffs had been set to come into effect on 9 July, having previously been suspended with White House officials saying they would look to strike trade deals.

When asked by a reporter whether the new August date was a hard deadline, Trump said: “I would say firm, but not 100% firm. If they call up and they say we’d like to do something a different way, we’re going to be open to that.”

Economist Adam Ahmad Samdin from research firm Oxford Economics told the BBC that the extension came as no surprise since trade agreements often take years to finalise.

“Such deals are usually extremely detailed,” he said, adding that although Vietnam became only the second country after the UK to strike an agreement with the US, it was more of a “broad framework” speeding up talks, rather than a full deal.

Also on Monday, Trump shared letters sent addressed to leaders of 14 countries on social media, informing them of his latest tariff plans, while adding that the rates could be modified “upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your country”.

Most of the tariff rates in the letters were similar to those outlined in April when he made his “Liberation Day” announcement, threatening a wave of new taxes on goods from various countries.

The comments suggested Trump would be open to further trade talks, investment strategist Vasu Menon from OCBC bank said.

“The expectations that Trump is once again engaged in a negotiating tactic, rather than making serious tariff threats, offer hope to investors,” Mr Menon said.

Trump argues that introducing tariffs will protect American businesses from foreign competition and also boost domestic manufacturing and jobs.

But economists say the measures will raise prices in the US and reduce trade.

The three main share indexes in the US slipped on Monday, with Toyota’s US-listed shares down 4%.

Japan sent more than $148bn (£108.6bn) in goods to the US last year, making it America’s fifth biggest supplier of imports, after the European Union (EU), Mexico, China and Canada, according to US trade data.

READ ALSO: Suspected diphtheria outbreak kills three children in Zaria

South Korea was also in the top 10.

Besides South Korea and Japan, Trump on Monday set out plans for a 40% tariff on goods from Myanmar and Laos, a 36% tariff on goods from Thailand and Cambodia, a 35% tariff on goods from Serbia and Bangladesh, a 32% tariff on Indonesia, a 30% tariff on goods from South Africa and a 25% tariff on goods from Malaysia and Tunisia.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Tuesday that his government would continue talks with the US to agree a deal that benefits both countries.

“It is deeply regrettable that the US government has announced a further increase in tariffs, in addition to the rates already imposed,” he also said.

South Korea said it planned to use the deadline extension to intensify talks with the US.

And Thailand’s finance minister said he was confident that his country would be able to reach an agreement to get a tariff rate similar to those imposed to other countries.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said more letters could follow in the days ahead.

She disputed the suggestion that the shifting tariff deadlines from 9 July to 1 August might reduce the power of Trump’s threats.

“The president’s phone, I can tell you, rings off the hook from world leaders all the time who are begging him to come to a deal,” she said.

When the president first announced a raft of steep tariffs in April, turmoil broke out on financial markets, leading to the president suspending some of the highest duties to allow for talks, while keeping in place a 10% levy.

Source: BBC

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The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, CIO, confirmed the Seoul Western District Court approved an arrest warrant requested by investigators examining Yoon’s short-lived imposition of martial law.

Yoon is facing investigation on allegations that he was the leader of an insurrection, one of the few criminal charges from which a South Korean president does not have immunity.

Separately, his trial on impeachment is being heard at the Constitutional Court.

The arrest warrant for an incumbent president is unprecedented, and deepens the political crisis that has engulfed South Korea, Asia’s fourth-largest economy and a key U.S. ally.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who took over from Yoon as acting president, has also been impeached by parliament, which is dominated by the opposition.

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, who took over as acting president after Han’s impeachment, has been dealing with Sunday’s crash of Jeju Air flight 7C2216, which killed 179 people in the deadliest air disaster on South Korean soil.

The current arrest warrant is viable until January 6, and once it is exercised, Yoon is expected to be held at the Seoul Detention Center, Yonhap news agency said, citing the CIO.

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Yoon Kab-keun, a lawyer for the impeached president, said the arrest warrant was illegal and invalid because the CIO did not have the authority under South Korean law to request a warrant.

He said the president’s legal team will file for an injunction at the Constitutional Court to stop the warrant.

The district court issued the warrant due to the likelihood that Yoon will not respond to summons without a justifiable reason, and there being a substantial reason to suspect Yoon of a crime, Yonhap said.

The court declined to comment.

It was unclear when or how the arrest warrant for Yoon will be carried out.

South Korea’s presidential security service said in a statement on Tuesday that it will treat the arrest warrant according to due process.

The court also approved a search warrant for Yoon’s residence, the CIO said.

Previously, police tried but failed to successfully raid the presidential office as part of the investigation, due to the presidential security service blocking access.

Source: Reuters

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The Boeing 737-800 flight, operated by airline Jeju Air, was reported to have 181 passengers on board and was arriving at Muan Airport from Bangkok, Thailand, when it crashed.

Two persons, both members of the flight crew, were said to have been pulled from the debris alive as rescue efforts continued.

The crash is believed to be the deadliest by airplane on South Korean soil.

READ ALSO: Troops nab two terrorists logistics suppliers, 256 others in one week

The worst airplane related disaster in Korea was said to be the 2002 Air China crash which killed 129 people.

Report indicated that the last time a South Korean airline had a fatal crash was 11 years ago.

In 2013, three people were killed when Asiana Airlines flight crashed while landing in San Francisco International Airport, report indicated.

Source: BBC

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To say the economy of the Republic of South Korea is a developed and strong economy is to say the obvious. South Korea’s economy had been vastly developed, and its economic structure radically transformed since after World War II in 1945 and the Korean War in 1953. The Korean War was a war of attrition between two brother-nations – North and South Koreas – accentuated by the Cold War era, and would appear not to have fully abated up till now.

However, South Korea is not just a developed nation today; it is also a regional power. According to a report titled “The Growth Report: Strategies for Sustained Growth and Inclusive Development,” a World Bank publication, authored in 2008 by the Commission on Growth and Development, 13 countries sustained 7% + annual growth for 25 years or more since 1950. Six countries among them joined the high-income group. They are Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Malta, and South Korea. Prominent among the factors listed in the report for sustained development are stable macroeconomic policies exemplified in sound public finance and low inflation, smooth operation of the market mechanism, high saving and high investment rates as well as knowledge infusion and overseas markets.

Indeed, there are many great examples to talk about in respect of the South Korea story, which Africa can further explore.

South Korea’s economic growth has been widely described as a miracle on the Han River. That economic accomplishment allowed the country to join the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the G20. Truth, however, is the South Korean achievement is not a miracle. It is a result of deliberate planning and execution of development strategies and sustained efforts at development. How was the Republic of South Korea able to achieve this feat with the destruction and devastation occasioned by the war with North Korea? Lacking in natural resources, the main vehicle for the economic development of that country is state-led industrialisation. Professor Taejong Kim of Korea Development Institute (KDI), in his presentation before a team of editors recently in South Korea, said the fast growth was sustained by inclusive policy measures – inclusive and sustained investments in human capital, natural capital and social capital. These measures, according to him, were designed to empower vulnerable communities and individuals.

I have provided this important background in order to underscore the huge success story that is South Korea today. The country’s economy is ranked the 3rd largest in Asia and the 11th biggest in the world by GDP. Goldman Sachs in “Beyond The Brics: A look at The ‘Next 11’ ” listed South Korea in the group of Next Eleven countries as having the potential to play a dominant role in the global economy by the middle of the 21st century.

The massive development in South Korea was apparent to this writer during a recent visit to the country. Wherever you turn in Seoul, the capital city, the numerous manifestations of the development stare you in the face. The key development indicators dot the landscape.    I was in Seoul on the invitation of the Korea International Broadcasting Foundation called Arirang to take part in a programme geared towards enhancing exchange and cooperation between South Korea and Africa. The visit took us (me and some 11 other African journalists and government media managers) to many important places. We had interactions with several top government officials and private business leaders. We were at the KDI Global Knowledge Exchange and Development Centre (GKEDC) and Korea Railway Traffic Control Centre.

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We participated in a dialogue for sustainable development and economic cooperation between Korea and Africa as well as in the high-level policy workshop on rural development administration. We gained valuable insights into the country’s model for agriculture and rural development through an interaction with the Director-General of Korea Rural Development Foundation, Kim Hwang-Yong, who spoke about the role of the foundation in addressing the issue of poverty and food sufficiency. According to him, the foundation helps to develop new technologies for agric development, which it transfers to farmers in the country.

Believing the country’s technology would be good for Africa, he said the RDA had been working with many African countries to ensure, among other things, increased rice production, disclosing also that the foundation presently has 26 varieties of rice in eight countries of Africa. We also had a meeting with the Executive Vice President Korean Foundation, Mr. Rhee Jong Kook, and another high-level meeting at the South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs where we had a useful conversation on South Korean foreign policy options with the Deputy Foreign Minister, Chung Byung-won.

We undertook an excursion of the Lotte World Tower and the Hyundai Plant in Goyang where that company’s vehicles that are available in the Nigerian markets are being produced.

Perhaps a more remarkable part of the visit was the tour of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park and Third Tunnel. Established under the provisions of the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953, the DMZ is the region on the Korean Peninsula that demarcates North Korea from South Korea. It is meant to serve as a buffer zone between the two countries. But there is still palpable tension around the zone as North Korea has reportedly dug up to three tunnels in a bid to violate the agreement and invade South Korea. We toured the South Korea end of the zone, and with heads bent, went inside the Third Tunnel to the very end. The tour of the tunnel is not for the faint-hearted. Some in the team, this writer not inclusive, declined to make the tour. On the whole, it was a helpful, illuminating and extremely exciting and worthwhile visit.

African countries, including Nigeria, have a lot to learn from South Korea, and interestingly, Nigeria and South Korea have something in common: both are a multi-party democracy with a free market economy and fledging private sector.  The Republic of South Korea places a high premium on research and development (R&D) and spends heavily on them. R&D is a key driver of economic growth and industrial development. Like South Korea, Africa, Nigeria, in particular, needs to continue to scale up research and development.

There is also South Korea’s education system, particularly her educated populace, which is largely responsible for the high technology boom and economic development. South Korea maintains increasing enrolment in higher education with special attention paid to Science and Engineering. Meanwhile, the intellectual arm of the country used to power this outstanding growth is the Korea Development Institute. The KDI School of Public Policy and Management offers scholarship at Post-Graduate and PhD levels to African students where they undergo courses to strengthen their capacities and hone their academic skills in order to give back to their societies on their return home. It was at a dinner with some academics and students of the institute that I encountered Abdul Labaran, a Nigerian Master’s degree student of the institution, who commended the scholarship programme. Africa needs to borrow a leaf from the mandate of that institute.

As indicated earlier, South Korea parades incredible economic growth and is today a high-tech industrialized economy. It has received accolades globally for value-added manufacturing and for her hi-tech companies. To aim at achieving this feat, Africa must invest in technology and innovation to enhance technological competitiveness.

Of interest is also the patriotism of the South Korean people. Stories abounded of how many South Korean women sacrificed their trinkets and jewelries during the difficult period in order to power the economy. Over two million people reportedly contributed. This is something that should be emulated in our clime because patriotism fuels growth and development.

Of interest is also the patriotism of the South Korean people. Stories abounded of how many South Korean women sacrificed their trinkets and jewelries during the difficult period in order to power the economy.

Indeed, there are many great examples to talk about in respect of the South Korea story, which Africa can further explore. Interestingly, a summit of Africa and South Korea is underway to offer a veritable opportunity for the exchange of ideas. The summit will also further cooperation and partnership in various areas. Slated for June 4-5, it will offer African countries a window into the huge economic advancement of South Korea. Speaking about the summit, the South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister described it as the biggest international conference to be initiated by the present administration in that country. It is aimed at creating and strengthening cooperation and collaboration with Africa.

“The summit will be mutually beneficial and create long-term partnership between Africa and Korea. Korea seeks to strengthen economic cooperation with Africa, and the summit will offer the best opportunity for Korea to support Africa in enhancing economic growth. Leveraging each other’s comparative advantage will help to advance growth and sustainable development. It will be a win-win for both South Korea and Africa in terms of economic cooperation and partnership,” Byung-won said. Should African leaders attend this important and first-ever summit between Korea and Africa? I think so!

*Rahman is a Senior Presidential Aide

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Introduction:

The economic transformations of Japan, South Korea, and Singapore have been nothing short of remarkable. These countries have managed to evolve from war-torn or underdeveloped nations into thriving economic powerhouses. A significant factor contributing to their success has been their strategic adaptation of Western civilization and values. This article delves into how Japan, South Korea, and Singapore embraced Western influences to become economic giants, and also explores the contrasting outcomes for countries that rejected Western civilization.

1. Embracing Western Civilization: A Catalyst for Economic Growth

Japan, South Korea, and Singapore recognized the potential of adopting Western civilization as a means to fuel their economic growth. This embrace led to the incorporation of Western ideas, technological advancements, and management practices that played pivotal roles in their economic success.

2. Japan: Rising from the Ashes

After World War II, Japan underwent a radical transformation by adopting Western democracy, education systems, and industrial practices. The emphasis on quality control, innovation, and efficient production methods paved the way for industries like automotive and electronics to flourish. Japan’s commitment to Western-inspired values, combined with a strong work ethic, helped it become a global economic leader.

With the current situations in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger coupled with anti-Western sentiments being expressed in many circles in Nigeria, it is pertinent for us have a deep thought on which option is good for us

3. South Korea: The Miracle on the Han River

South Korea’s story is similar to Japan’s, as it drew inspiration from Western capitalism and democracy. By embracing Western educational systems and technology, South Korea rapidly transformed into a high-tech manufacturing hub. The Chaebol system, modeled after Western conglomerates, played a significant role in fostering industrial growth and innovation.

4. Singapore: From Port City to Financial Hub

Singapore’s remarkable economic ascent is attributed to its strategic adoption of Western economic principles, rule of law, and efficient governance. By creating a business-friendly environment, welcoming foreign investments, and embracing globalization, Singapore became a global financial center and a beacon of economic success in Southeast Asia.

5. Rejecting Western Civilization: Consequences and Outcomes

While some countries chose to distance themselves from Western civilization, their outcomes have been mixed. Isolationist policies, resistance to foreign investments, and disregard for democratic values often resulted in economic stagnation, political instability, and missed opportunities for growth.

6. Venezuela: A Case of Repudiation

Venezuela’s rejection of Western capitalism and its adoption of socialist policies led to economic turmoil and political unrest. Nationalization of industries, mismanagement, and corruption crippled the economy, leading to hyperinflation and a humanitarian crisis.

7. North Korea: Isolation at a Cost

North Korea’s isolationist stance and refusal to embrace Western values have left the nation in a state of economic destitution. The focus on military spending rather than economic development has led to a lack of basic necessities for its citizens and limited global engagement.

8. Conclusion: The Power of Adaptation

The economic trajectories of Japan, South Korea, and Singapore serve as examples of the potential benefits of embracing Western civilization while preserving their own cultural identities. By adapting Western ideals of democracy, capitalism, and technological innovation, these nations achieved unprecedented economic growth and development. On the other hand, countries that rejected or distanced themselves from Western influences often faced economic challenges and political instability.

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In a rapidly globalizing world, the lessons from these success stories emphasize the importance of combining cultural heritage with strategic adaptation. The ability to learn from diverse sources of knowledge and to evolve without losing one’s identity can contribute significantly to a nation’s economic prosperity and overall well-being.

With the current situations in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger coupled with anti-Western sentiments being expressed in many circles in Nigeria, it is pertinent for us have a deep thought on which option is good for us: adapt Western civilization and ideals or repudiate them.

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Obi made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Saturday in Ota, Ogun State.

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria will play against the South Korean team in one of the quarter finals at the ongoing Under-20 World Cup in Argentina.

The Flying Eagles beat Italy 2-0 in the group stage, while they also beat Argentina, the host country by 2-0 in the round of 16 to qualify for the quarter final.

According to Obi, football is about self-confidence and determination to win any opponent.

The sport analyst expressed optimism that the Flying Eagles of Nigeria would beat South Korea because their victory over Italy and Argentina would have given them more confidence to win the match.

“All what they need to win the South Korea team is to be self-confident and the determination which they have exhibited in their win against Italy and Argentina,” he said.

Obi also urged them to be focused and intensify on their training in order to beat South Korea.

He however advised the team to strengthen its mid-field and utilise their chances to prevent being caught unawares by the strong and fast South Korea.

Source: NAN

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It was not the longest journey one had taken. We had been to Japan, which was 16 hours. As much as I don’t dread flying, nothing beats having your feet on terra firma. The ground. The sky was terra incognita, and to be there for 15 hours is no small deal.

After six-and-a-half hours, we arrived Muscat, in Oman (officially the Sultanate of Oman), to refuel. It is called a technical stopover, which lasted about an hour.

Oman holds fond memories. In our over seven years in government, we had stopped there a couple of times. On trips to China, Japan, and India. The airport had received a makeover, fully spruced up.

And to think that Nigeria and South Korea were once at the same level. Now, they have gone far, far ahead of us.

The second leg of the journey started. And it was the longer stretch. Another eight-and-a-half hours, bringing the total to 15 hours. And we landed in the chilly bosom of Seoul.

Yes, cold, cold Seoul. You were coming from a weather of 32 degrees, and this was 9 degrees on arrival day. And it was threatening to drop lower and lower in the days to come.

But we had been forewarned. So we were ready. Dressed for the weather. We were ferried from the airport to Lotte Executive Tower, an ultramodern hotel, if ever there was one. It was to be our home for the next four days.

President Muhammadu Buhari has a number of passions. Security is one of them. Climate change is another. And anti-corruption. Power, energy sufficiency. And lately, vaccine manufacturing. He had pledged in an earlier broadcast that Nigeria would join the train, for a safer country, continent, and world, through vaccine manufacturing. And that was what brought us all the way to Seoul, to attend the first World Bio Summit. It has the theme, The Future of Vaccines and Bio-Health.

READ ALSO: Buhari in Imo: A breath of fresh air, By Femi Adesina

On Tuesday, opening day of the Summit, our President spoke. And he made salient points. What did he say?

“This Summit certainly opens up global conversations at high levels of government, on measures that are expected to forestall recurrence of the unpleasant experiences that Low-Income and Lower Middle-Income countries in Africa and Asia, especially, had to endure with regard to access to vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. It must be said that inequity in distribution of virtually all requirements for diagnostics and therapy was a key factor in the lack of capacity to produce basic or essential commodities, and the total dependence on imported goods. Although Covid-19 actually threatened and continues to threaten all of mankind with no regard for race, region or economic standing, global response was not only segmented but discriminatory. If the pandemic had taken the course that was predicted by some experts, there could have been an existential threat to sections of humanity. Such a serious public health failure should not be allowed to happen again and lessons must be learned from it.”

So, what does the President have in mind? “Undoubtedly, the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has jolted our collective consciousness and now more than ever, we must step up as leaders in a world in desperate need of healing and repair, to begin to have the difficult conversations about a future, which we must be better prepared for in order to avoid further devastation to our lives, livelihoods and physical environment.

“As one of the six African countries selected to be the first on the continent to receive the technology needed to produce our own mRNA vaccines from a scheme headed by the World Health Organization, we are taking steps to provide the needed infrastructure and requisite funding for the implementation of this noble initiative. In this regard, a private pharmaceutical company to facilitate pharmaceutical production of the mRNA vaccines has been identified to pilot this project. While we express our appreciation, once more, to the WHO and other partners for selecting Nigeria, we would like to urge for the speedy take-off of this project in the interest of global health.

“Nigeria is committed to joining global efforts responding to known or emerging pathogens, including the global vaccine assurance ecosystem and equitable access for all. We shall continue to explore bilateral, multilateral and other opportunities for cutting-edge technology as a global hub for sustainable manufacturing and distribution of Vaccine and Biological pharmaceuticals to support initiatives to keep all of mankind safe.”

Seoul, a city with a soul, and an idyllic setting for the Summit. I remember the Olympic Games of 1988 hosted by the city. We came, we saw, and we were conquered. We won nothing. Manfred Honer was the coach who led our soccer team, and we were beaten black and blue in all the matches. In Athletics, our trap caught no game.

I also remember the 2002 FIFA World Cup hosted jointly by South Korea and Japan. We brought a young team, coached by Chief Adegboye Onigbinde. We lost our matches to Argentina and Sweden, and drew with England. It was a promising team and crew, which we should have nurtured. But typical of Nigeria, we threw the baby away with the bath water. And our soccer is still groping today.

Seoul is a well appointed city. Squeaky clean. Top notch security, infrastructure, transportation, hi-tech facilities. High rise buildings everywhere. And to think that Nigeria and South Korea were once at the same level. Now, they have gone far, far ahead of us.

See what Angus Hamilton, an American, said of Seoul as far back as 1904: “The streets of Seoul are magnificent, spacious, clean, admirably made and well-drained. The narrow dirty lanes have been widened, gutters have been covered, roadways broadened. Seoul is within measurable distance of becoming the highest, most interesting and cleanest city in the East.”

Well, Seoul is sure there. A city with a soul, where everything is in good order.

A large number of the people of South Korea are Buddhists. But Seoul is also the city of David Yonggi Cho, the man who co-founded the largest Pentecostal Christian Congregation in the world, the Yoido Full Gospel Church. Cho was a praying man. A miracles man, and a church growth expert. Under him, the church numbered 830,000 people, as at 2007. David Yonggi Cho passed away last year, aged 85. God rest his soul.

Talking of soul, a city, a country must have a soul. If the soul is wicked, filled with hatred, bile, insurgency, banditry, wickedness, it will show. But if it is filled with good, with God, with discipline, order, patriotism, like Seoul, it will also show. What you sow is what you reap. God is not mocked.

When I was about taking my leave, the Ambassador handed me a box of tea, and he said, with a suggestive wink: “Take this every evening at bedtime, and madam will be very happy with you.”

Can I visit Seoul, and not remember my friend Eun, who worked at the South Korean Embassy in Abuja, for almost five years? She got married early this year, and relocated to Washington with the husband. We still keep in touch. And in Seoul, I recall the day Eun invited me to visit the Embassy in Abuja. The Ambassador was delighted to welcome me. We had a lot to discuss.

When I was about taking my leave, the Ambassador handed me a box of tea, and he said, with a suggestive wink: “Take this every evening at bedtime, and madam will be very happy with you.”

When I informed my wife of the gift over the phone, she promptly responded: “If you bring that tea home, you will start sleeping in the sitting room.”

I won’t tell you the rest of the story. Lol.

*Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity

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The president was particularly excited as the signing came against the background of ongoing rehabilitation works at Warri refinery by same Daewoo Group which will at the first instance, deliver fuel production before the first half of 2023.

READ ALSO: Kyari tasks NNPC Greenfield Refinery board on fuel importation

According to the Nigerian leader, “Daewoo Group has massive investments in the automobile, maritime and other sectors of our economy. I am also aware that Daewoo is currently engaged in the execution of the NLNG train seven project and also constructing sea-going LPG vessels for NNPC and her partners.”

He said he looked “forward to the delivery of ongoing projects, especially at the Warri and Kaduna refineries, and the NLNG Train Seven,” stressing that “This no doubt will open many more windows of opportunities for Daewoo and other Korean companies in Nigeria.”

“I thank you for your faith in Nigeria,” President Buhari told the Korean conglomerate at the end of the significant ceremony on the last day of his visit to the Asian country to attend the First World Bio Summit.

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The president stated this during an interactive meeting with the leadership and select members of the Nigerian community as part of his engagements at the end of the First World Bio Summit 2022, while urging them to remain good ambassadors of Nigeria at all times.

According to President Buhari, “As law abiding citizens of our great country, I advise that you replicate the excellent Nigerian virtues by coexisting peacefully with your hosts and abide by the laws of the land. You must always strive to eschew any acts of lawlessness in your day-to-day activities and to take it as major responsibility to encourage other Nigerians to always remain of excellent behaviour.”

Further reminding them that “Nigeria is and will always be our only country,” he enjoined them “to always pray and work for the peace and prosperity of our beloved country. Let us desist from any acts capable of causing disaffection among our people. Nigerians in diaspora in many countries of the world have achieved tremendous successes through hard work, resilience and resourcefulness and I have no doubt in my mind that similar success stories will continue to be replicated amongst the Nigerian diaspora community in the Republic of South Korea.”

READ ALSO: S’Korea: Buhari seeks expanded trade relations beyond gas export

The Nigerian leader, who assured them that the federal government, through the embassy would always strive to protect their interests by ensuring that “none of you is unjustly treated at all times,” appealed to them to “see all Nigerians as brothers and sisters irrespective of tribe and religion and collectively work to positively project the image of the country.”

On preparations for the 2023 national elections, which he said, are in active stages, the president sought for their “prayers and support to enable us transit peacefully to the next administration and deepen the democratic processes in our country,” expressing delight that the “outcomes of the last four off-season elections, have left us with great optimism for better conducted and acceptable 2023 elections.”

Speaking earlier on behalf of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, NIDO, South Korea, the president, Chiemeka Ndukwu, thanked President Buhari for creating Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, NiDCOM, as well as “approving a production line for international passports which we now have here in the Republic of Korea,” adding that “This has eased the stress of going to China, Malaysia or back home for intervention.”

He appealed to the federal government to reach a Bilateral Labour Agreement, BLA, with the Republic of Korea, stressing that if signed, it “will not just create job opportunities and increase foreign exchange remittance,” but “also ensure the transfer of technology and skills since these trainees will not just return to Nigeria with enough capital to set up factories and businesses that will employ people, they will also be returning with the skills and technology they acquired.”

Other prominent NIDO members who also attended the interactive session were drawn from construction, insurance, private business sectors as well as male and female representatives of students undergoing post-graduate studies in specialized fields.

It is noteworthy that Engr. Dogara Gani who specializes in smart farming through drone technology; Ms. Hussaina Abdullahi, an IT specialist; and Dr. Kalu Ekpeghere, an assistant professor in environmental engineering at Woosong University, were among other well-established Nigerians in South Korea who also participated in the meeting coordinated by NiDCOM chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

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