Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Adnan Bostaji says his country will continue to offer humanitarian assistance to Nigeria especially in the health sector.
Bostaji made the pledge in Abuja after receiving a Humanitarian Award for his works in Africa by the Nigeria Festivals of Award.
He said that the award was a translation of the humanitarian aid that Saudi was providing to Nigeria and other countries across the world.
The envoy said that in 2020, the embassy would take more of its already existing health campaign, in the area of eye treatment and eye operation to other parts of the country so that every Nigerian would benefit.
“This award means that the historical ties between both countries are very strong and it is a way to enhance the assistance more and more.
“Based on the kingdom’s interest to do more and aid the Nigerian citizens in humanitarian activities, the medical campaign has been held in Nasarawa and Oyo states.
“The bottom line is to treat eye patients with glaucoma and cataract and to do a number of operations.
“The kingdom does not differentiate between ethnic groups of Nigeria.
” It gives everybody on the same footing and that is why very soon, we will move over to some South Eastern states to show that the Kingdom is very objective.
“We are expecting the next campaign in February and March and that would be focusing on the South Eastern states.
“The reason it has not been done yet is that the embassy has to collaborate with state governments to see which states have the proper hospitals to handle the operations and medical campaign,” Bostaji said.
He thanked organisers of the award for recognising his contributions to humanitarianism through the embassy.
According to him, the award will further spur the embassy to more assistance. He expressed delight to be the first ambassador and foreigner to be given the award.
Speaking earlier, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) congratulated Bostaji on the award.
She praised him for his role in strengthening the bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.
