L-R: Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello and the North Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Jong Yong Chol

Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello, centre, the North Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Jong Yong Chol, left and others during the visit

Plans are afoot by the Niger State government to partner with the North Korean government in health care delivery, infrastructural development and power.

Decision to this effect was reached in Minna during a courtesy visit to Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello by the North Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Jong Yong Chol.

The Governor who was impressed with the level of development so far achieved by the Koreans said the state will further strengthen relationship with the country so as to derive the maximum benefit from the arrangement.

He explained that his administration was desirious of a one stop state of the art medical facility that can provide first class medical services for Nigerlites and all Nigerians and that is capable of reducing the huge investment on medical tourism to Dubai, India, Germany and Cario by Nigerians.

The Governor who was optimistic that with the effective collaboration and partnerships with the Koreans in this area, health care delivery in the state will greatly improve and the huge forex being expended annually on those seeking medical treatment abroad will drastically reduced.

He further stated that the state has great potentials in the areas of hydro, solar and other sources of generating power which the state can collaborate with the Koreans so as to provide electricity for the people of the State.

Governor Sani-Bello said that for the government to meet the power need of her people, small town independent power plants (IPP) of between 10 to 50 megawatts are been proposed for each of the 25 local government areas of the state.

He then invited Korean investors to cash on the viability of the small town IPP projects to invest in the state, assuring them of huge returns to their investment.

Assuring the governor and the people of the state the North Korean envoy, Ambassador Yong Chol expressed the readiness of his country to partner with the Niger State government in these critical sectors.

“Mr. Governor, I am here in Minna to come and explore the possibility of partnering and collaborating with your state, especially in the area of health care delivery, infrastructural and power development.

” Our country has a lot to offer Niger state. We are looking forward to joint ventures with the state in the areas of health care delivery, infrastructure and power development,” the Korean Envoy stated.