As part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic and legislative relations with other nations, Senator Yunus Akintunde, Ph.D., representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, participated in the Korea Foundation Invitation Program for Distinguished Guests in Parliament, held in South Korea.
Senator Akintunde, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was the sole Nigerian delegate at the prestigious event. Other participants included Senator Ivan Alberto Flores Garcia from the Senate of the Republic of Chile; Ahmed Ezzat Manna, Secretary General of Egypt’s House of Representatives; Edin Darlek, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia; and Martin Ivan Yeza, a National Congressman in Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies.
The program, held from April 20 to 26, 2025, was facilitated by the Korea Foundation—a public diplomacy organization under South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foundation works to promote global understanding of Korea and foster international cooperation.
During the visit, Senator Akintunde, who chairs the Nigerian Senate Committee on Environment, engaged with key institutions such as the Korea Legislative Research Institute. He also attended sessions at the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security, where he received briefings on global security and development issues from Professors Ban Kil Joo and Sung Jisun—renowned experts in international security and defense.
Reflecting on the event, Senator Akintunde noted, “This engagement provided me a valuable platform to join global legislative leaders in addressing pressing international challenges and forging strategic partnerships. I have learned new approaches and insights that can benefit Nigeria.”
He also held a strategic meeting with Mr. Kim Young-chee, President of the Korea Foundation, during which they discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in environmental sustainability, energy development, education, and innovation.
Additionally, Akintunde visited a greenhouse in Seoul, gaining insights into climate-resilient agriculture, precision farming, and green technologies. “These are tools we must embrace in Nigeria to enhance food security and promote environmental stewardship,” he said.
