The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Office in Nigeria in collaboration with South Korea International Cooperation Association of Nigeria (SKICAN) on Friday lauded its alumni’s commitment and contribution to nation-building.
Mr. Son Sungil, Country Director of KOICA Nigeria during the 2023 Annual Gathering of the association in Abuja, noted that Nigerian civil servants who have received training and scholarships through the KOICA Fellowship Programme (CIAT), are worth celebrating.
“Reflecting on the remarkable journey so far, the Alumni Gathering is not merely a celebration of past achievements, it serves as a platform for Alumni to reconnect, share their experiences, and lay the foundation for collaborative efforts to shape a brighter future.
“We also want to express our immense pride in the development and achievements of SKICAN.
“The development of the website will support and facilitate initiatives that promote education and skills transfer from KOICA including scholarships, training and mentorship programs.
“It is also our pleasure to see Nigerians who have finished their training program in South Korea returning back to develop their home country.
“We reaffirmed KOICA’s commitment to providing unyielding support for the Association’s progress,” he said.
Mr. Sungil also encouraged the newly elected executives to uphold the legacy of their predecessors for the association’s continued growth.
Mr. Rabiu Adamu, the immediate past president, expressed gratitude to the country director for the cooperation extended throughout his tenure.
In his address, he unveiled the new SKICAN Magazine and website Skican.ng which have become the go-to platforms for Alumni updates and insights.
“In the age of information and communication technology, it is essential to create a website that will provide South Korea and Nigeria an avenue for accountability and to share information on Corporate Social Responsibility.
“The Association was able to complete its website which was launched today, affords members from all over the country and the world in general, to follow on the work and activities of the association.
“We believe that the website will promote development of a comprehensive database of members, professionals, entrepreneurs and experts, in order to monitor integration, investment opportunities and knowledge transfer.
“The Association for the first time printed its Maiden Edition of the SKICAN Magazine, as a legacy which would encourage the incoming executives which will be on the website for sustainability of KOICA and SKICAN collaboration,” Adamu said.
Furthermore, this year’s Alumni Gathering marked an election year, resulting in the election of nine (9) new officials. Mr. Joseph Oboh emerged as the new President of SKICAN, ready to lead the organization into a new era of growth and collaboration.
The highlight of the event was a performance by Dosi-Korean Fusion Music team, dance performance from the famous M.B Crew-Korean B.boy team who flew in from South Korea to Nigeria for the first time in honor of South Korea-Nigeria relations.
