Nigerian King Visits West Bank Settlements, Explores Potential Partnerships

Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st King of the Kingdom of Warri in Nigeria, visited the Binyamin region of the West Bank on Tuesday with a delegation from his country. The visit, described as unusual, included a tour of the Psagot Winery and the ancient site of Shiloh, places significant to biblical history. King Atuwatse III, who also has business experience in the energy sector and heads companies in infrastructure and maritime services, is the leader of the Ijaw people of the Niger Delta, a major oil and gas region.

The Binyamin Regional Council views the visit as part of a broader effort to establish direct ties with international leaders, particularly in Africa, and to familiarize them with the Israeli settlements. During the tour, Yisrael Gantz, head of the Binyamin Regional Council and the Yesha Council, presented the Binyamin region, its development, and its historical connection to the Jewish people. The delegation tasted local wines and learned about the region's agricultural industry.

At Shiloh, Eliana Pessantin, Director of the Foreign Desk at the Binyamin Regional Council, explained the site's history as the location of the Tabernacle for centuries and its biblical significance. The visit also carries potential economic implications, as King Atuwatse's kingdom is in Nigeria's oil and gas heartland, while the Binyamin council is promoting the establishment of a power station in the Rantis industrial zone to bolster energy and infrastructure development.

King Atuwatse III is in Israel as part of an international delegation, and his visit to Binyamin aims to deepen understanding and explore future cooperation. Gantz stated, "The land of the Bible draws leaders from all over the world to it. Whoever comes here, meets the residents and visits ancient Shiloh, sees with his own eyes the depth of the connection of the people of Israel to their land." He added, "We are building partnerships and opening Binyamin to the world. We will continue to expand our circle of friends and translate these connections into partnership and support for Israel and the settlements."