Lawmaker representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Yunus Akintunde, recently concluded a high-level working visit to South Korea aimed at fostering parliamentary cooperation and exploring opportunities for economic and developmental collaboration between Nigeria and South Korea.
The visit, held from April 20 to 26, 2025, was part of the “Korea Foundation Invitation Programme for Distinguished Guests in Parliament,” facilitated by the Korea Foundation—an organisation affiliated with South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and dedicated to enhancing international understanding and diplomatic ties.
Throughout the week-long programme, Senator Akintunde engaged in a series of strategic meetings and interactive sessions alongside other distinguished lawmakers from Chile, Egypt, Serbia, and Argentina. Notably, they participated in a special session with the Korea Legislative Research Institute, discussing best practices in legislative development and governance.
One of the highlights of the visit was a session at the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security, where Senator Akintunde received briefings from security experts, Prof. Ban Kil Joo and Prof. Sung Jisun. The session served as a platform for initiating potential Nigeria–South Korea cooperation in the areas of security and defence.
The Nigerian senator was also received at the South Korean National Assembly by Deputy Speaker, Mr. Lee Hakyoung, followed by a guided tour of the institution. In addition, the delegation visited the Korea Saemaul Undong Center, a UNESCO-recognised model for rural development, where Secretary General Sungho Kim hosted the delegation.
The programme include a symbolic visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, reinforcing the delegation’s exposure to geopolitical realities in the region. Senator Akintunde also participated in a cultural immersion event, including a palace tour that highlighted South Korea’s rich historical heritage.
In a separate session, the senator met with members of the Korea-Nigeria Parliamentary Friendship Association, coordinated by Congressman, Wi Seonggon. The meeting provided a valuable platform for comparing legislative systems and exploring avenues for strengthening bilateral parliamentary ties.
Senator Akintunde, who chairs the Senate Committee on Environment and is an expert in energy studies, seized the opportunity to discuss potential areas of cooperation in renewable energy, rural development, and agri-business. He was also taken on a tour of a smart greenhouse farm—an innovative agricultural model with implications for food security and agro-industrial development in Nigeria.
The senator commended the Korea Foundation for the initiative, pledging to strengthen parliamentary dialogue and advance areas of mutual benefit between Nigeria and South Korea.
“The benefits of this tour are tremendous. “We will actively explore opportunities for collaboration and value exchange between our nations without delay,” Senator Akintunde remarked
He is expected to return to Nigeria in the coming days, following the successful conclusion of the tour.
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