By John Okeke
The ties between the Republic of South Korea and Nigeria apparently enjoys mutual understanding and innovative engagements with so much benefits. And the duo have continued to strengthen their relationship through different impactful programmes. In 2021, through Korea-Africa Foundation; the two nations established the Korea-Nigeria Youth Camp to further foster a robust relationship by making a provision for young Nigerian students to experience Korean culture and entrepreneurship activities right here in the country.
Known to offer a top notch experience to the lucky beneficiaries through its educative activities in line with its set objectives, the 2023 Korean-Nigeria Youth Camp, once again opened it doors for 8 Nigerian students from At`tarbiyyah Stem School Abuja. The Camp started on 16 October with a tour in Abuja at the Korean Cultural Centre and ended on 20th October, 2023, in Lagos. The 8 students had earlier won the 2023 Best Innovative Business Project at the student for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) of Business Innovation Competition.
Led by their School Director, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Abubakar, teacher; Abdulrahman Kabir Baba, in company of SAGE Coordinator, Ms Nene Iroha, the 8 students arrived KCCN Abuja at noon and were given a presentation on the role of KCCN in Nigeria. They were also briefed on the scheduled activities for the Youth Camp and given a briefed on Korean culture at the exhibition hall. They also participated in the Korean cultural experience of writing Hangul on a Korean traditional fan (Buchae), tried on the Korean Hanbok and played the Korean game- Tuho, before they left for Lagos. 3 KCCN Staff: Jennifer Ezeonyeasi, Chidimma Tobins and Melford Arinze Obijiaku, supervised the session.
In Lagos; at the Korean Consulate lead by the Consul General, Lee Sang-Ho, the students visited the Jangu studio where they were Mr. Isioma Williams taught them how beat Korean drum. They learnt how to play the traditional song of the Jangu drum as well. They were further entertained in the Consular Hallyu Hub space. They were also exposed to the artwork of Mama Nike, the renown Nigerian artist and proposed Brand Ambassador to the Busan Expo 2030. And were shown a PR video of the Busan Expo 2030, showing Busan as the city with ‘7 beaches, bridges, 10 mountains, and a new yet old city of Korea’. Promotional videos of ‘My Korea’ was also played.
In his brief remark, the Consular General, Mr. Lee Sang-ho encouraged the students to keep doing their best, said they are the key to Nigeria becoming a very developed country. He told them there are various Korean organisations and companies in Nigeria such as Samsung, LG, and even a Korean school. He went on to say that ‘No nation can stand alone’ and that ‘relationships are key. “We have to co-exist, cooperate to improve another’s country and thereby improve ours.”he added.
The students were glad to a taste of Korean dish; Hansik (Ho-Tteok) made by the Consular General’s wife, and were given souvenirs. The session rounded up with a group photo.
On the third day of the camping activities in Lagos, the student were to LG corporate office. AKorean history video and LG`s product advertisements clip was played for their pleasure. LG products like the InstaView Door-in-Door refrigerator which keeps food fresh longer, saves up to 32% more energy and a ‘knock-twice’ feature that enables one see inside the refrigerator without opening the door were shown to them. LG AI DD washing machine that detects the kind of fabric is put inside and automatically chooses the most suitable washing option for the fabric, OLED TV, QNED TV, ArtCool AC which filters air impurities and the LG styler, all were shown to the students. They asked questions, made innovative suggestions and were given souvenirs.
At Samsung office, Product Manager, Stephen Okwara showed samples of Samsung latest products: Flip 5, Fold 5, and the S9 Tab. Presentations were made on Samsung CE National Trainer, Ms. Doigha Abigail, and the students were given gifts of the Samsung Fit2 smart Watch.
The Product Manager, Stephen Okwara stated in an interview, praised the Korea-Africa Foundation setting up the camp. He added that it is never too early to introduce the world of Tech to the young generation. He expressed Samsung’s gratitude for being part of the programme, said Samsung looks forward to next year camping event.
To further make their camping experience more robust, the students visited a hair factory: Solpia Nigeria Ltd, established in 2007 and popularly known as X-Pression. They were given a tour of the factory, introduced to the braid and weavon sections, and shown the the production processes. They were allowed to examine the products before and after the manufacturing process. The factory had a workforce of over 6000 people. They equally received souvenirs. The CEO of the factory, Mr. Sunghoon Jeong, had a brief interactive session with them, and commended their composure.
The excursion proceeded to KIA corporate office in Lagos, were an in-depth, interactive-question filled tour was conducted by the Operations Manager Mr. Oluwatomiwa Okunola. He educated the students on KIA’s processes and the operations involved in putting together a car. From KIA’s auto parts to the point of assembly and physical testing of the vehicle, he satisfied their curiosity. And they couldn’t hide their excitement during the test drive of the vehicle.
In his remark, the Operations Manager, with 12-year experience in the KIA, eulogized the Korea-Africa Foundation and the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria for the camp initiative, said it is beneficial to the students. He also harped on the importance of developing automobile industry in Nigeria and the gains thereof. He charges the student to take interest in automobile.
At the final day of the camping tour, the students landed at the Nike’s Art Gallery in Lekki, Lagos. The gallery housing over 25000 paintings. The famous gallery also features NIKE’s textile museum with clothing on sale, and an array of brilliant sculptures of which the students took many pictures. They were conducted to every section of the gallery by the 89 year old husband of NIKE, an Ex-Police Commissioner, Chief Reuben Osaruyi Okundaye. He told the students to take education seriously; said that’s the one thing their parents can give them that no one can take away. He said it is the one thing that will stay with them for life.
Expressing her thoughts on the camping experience, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Abubakar, the Director of At-tarbiyyah STEM School, commended the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) and the Korea-Africa Foundation (KAF) for organising such a knowledge filled camping experience. She said after the 8 students won the ‘Best Innovative Business Project’ at the Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) Business Innovation Competition 2023, were chosen for this trip, other students are greatly inspired to work harder.
She expressed hopes on the possibility of the relationship being taken beyond the Lagos trips to working together on other projects, especially opportunity for the students to work with LG or KIA on certain innovative projects of the students in relation to their business model or ideology.
Reacting to their camping tour experiences: the students; Faisal Abdulaziz, and Ali Aminu Wali said they were intrigued by the Korean Cultural Centre, and mesmerised by the promotional videos on the lifestyles and companies in Korea, which was very educative. They noted that what was striking to them was the Digital Samsung City because they are tech students. Ali Aminu Wali added that he was interested to know about the benefits Samsung workers and their children enjoy.
On the Jangu drum; Izzatu Hassan said the Jangu drum is so captivating. She was captivated by the rhythm and skill used to beat this drum, it looked easy, but it definitely not as it looks. Hafsat Idris said it was really difficult learning how to play the Jangu drum at first, but eventually she got used to it. She said even holding the stick was difficult but she’s sure that just like everything else, she can get better with practice.
On Samsung and LG, Kasim Ibrahim Yakubu expressed love for the opportunity to be in Samsung. Receiving the Samsung Fit2 watch was the high point of that day tour for him. Seeing the company’s technologically advanced products all to better the living condition of human beings, really inspired him think of all the things he can do in the future. Muhammed Ibrahim Isah on the other hand said he loved the Samsung Fit2 watch he was given. He also expressed joy at the educative experience at LG. He said the deep insight on how a lot of LG products work is experience second to none. Seeing the finished product and the level of work and expertise that goes into each product and innovation behind them is the best experience. He said he being inspired to think that one day he will be the brain behind an innovative product.
At the Solpia Nigeria Ltd, Aisha Muhammed Sa’id said; “I really enjoyed the tour it was so enlightening. I had no idea X-Pression was a South Korean company. I wonder though why technology can’t be introduced into some processes at the factory. Not to replace the workers, but to aid them. I feel that this modern day, technology is key and it can be a very useful tool. I don’t want them to lose their jobs, but they can use machines to make their jobs easier”.
Hafsat Abas Idriss said for such a popular hair company X-Pression to be so vast and fundamental in Nigeria, one would have thought it’s Nigerian or even African. Who knew it was Korean? She said.
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