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Tomato processing factory, largest in West Africa commissioned in Gafara, Ngaski LG of Kebbi by Spanish firm: another confidence vote in Nigeria

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New Tomato Processing Factory in Kebbi State
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Tomato processing factory, largest in West Africa commissioned in Gafara, Ngaski LG of Kebbi by Spanish firm: another confidence vote in Nigeria

A new tomato processing factory and farm expansion by the Spanish multinational group, GB Foods have been commissioned in Gafara, Ngaski LG of Kebbi state.

The commissioning took place Friday and was witnessed by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammed Idris.

The company cultivates 1,500 hectares of tomato. It has 5,000 workers, 70 percent of whom are women. The tomato processing plant has capacity for 620 metric-tonnes per-day .

GB Foods plans to double the capacity of the plant in the next expansion phase. When completed, the farm and processing facility will be the biggest integrated tomato project in Africa.

Idris, who called on foreign investors to emulate the long-term commitment of GB Foods in Nigeria, said:

“This project is a good example of that. We thank GB Foods for believing and investing in Nigeria, and I want to assure you that you will receive all the support you require to continue to invest.”

“For those who say that it’s only bad stories coming out of Nigeria, this is a very good story to tell. At a time when the media is saying all foreigners, all investors are leaving the country, GB Foods is investing more and more here,” he stated.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who represented President Bola Tinubu, said: “This is a sign that there is confidence in Nigeria, under the able leadership of President Tinubu, for foreign investors to come and invest.”

He expressed the administration’s gratitude to Kebbi State for creating an enabling environment for business. “Let me say that this is the second time I’m coming to Kebbi State in a little over a month. First, I visited a Rice Mill, the largest in West Africa, and today I’m visiting the largest tomato factory in Africa, all in Kebbi State.”

After the farm visit, and a symbolic participation in the tomato harvesting process, Minister Idris joined his colleagues and other dignitaries for the commissioning and tour of the new plant.

The ceremony also had in attendance the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, and former Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu; members of the National Assembly representing Kebbi State, members of the Kebbi State Executive Council, the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammad Zayyanu-Abdullahi, the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Juan Sell, and senior executives of GB Foods, including the global CEO, Ignasi Ricou; Africa CEO, Vicenç Bosch; and General Manager, Nigeria, Vincent Egbe.

Rabiu Ibrahim
Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation

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MultiChoice Grants Free 3-Day Access To All DStv Channels For Connected And Disconnected Subscribers

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Multichoice has announced that it is giving all DStv customers free access to all channels for 72 hours starting from Friday, 27th December 2024 till Sunday the 29th of December 2024.

It said, “As we wind down the year and celebrate the holidays, DStv is happy to announce that we are making this December one to remember.

According to a statement by the TV operator, customers who have been disconnected can also benefit from the offer.

“From Friday, Dec. 27, to Sunday, Dec. 29, we’re giving all DStv customers, connected and disconnected, regardless of their current package, access to every channel and every show at no extra cost,” it said.

In November, BusinessDay reported that the service had become too expensive for 243,000 Nigerians as its prices have been raised three times in the last 12 months.

Read also: Nigerians berate MultiChoice over declared loss of 243,000 DStv, Gotv, subscribers

According to the firm’s report, the high inflation in Nigeria driven by the high cost of food, electricity, and fuel forced many of its customers to disconnect their decoders and resort to other sources of entertainment.

MultiChoice added however that the seasonal offer is open to all DStv subscribers but excludes GOtv subscribers.

“Whatever package you’re on, connected or not, this is your chance to unlock the full power of DStv Premium and revel in a world of endless entertainment and authenticity.

“For 72 hours, the only thing standing between you and the best in sports, kids’ programming, movies, and local dramas is your decoder. No payments or calls required,” it said.

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Bitcoin Billionaire Gaius Chibueze Visits Fellow Bitcoin Expert Linus Williams (Blord) in Ebenebe, Anambra

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Billionaire Bitcoin mogul Gaius Chibueze, recognised as the first Black man from Africa to invest in Bitcoin, in 2011, paid a visit to his brother and fellow Bitcoin billionaire, Linus Williams, popularly known as Blord, at his residence in Ebenebe, Anambra State. The visit took place at Blord’s home, before the two proceeded to his BLORD Headquarters.

In a heartfelt post shared on social media, Gaius expressed immense pride in Blord’s achievements, highlighting his success as Africa’s most celebrated Bitcoin merchant. Gaius praised his brother for thriving in Ala Igbo, emphasizing the inspiration Blord provides to many, and spoke about their long-standing relationship, which has involved millions of USD worth of Bitcoin transactions since 2018.

During the visit, Gaius had the opportunity to tour Blord’s City of David Estate, a remarkable project located in Awka. Gaius was in awe of what Blord has built in the heart of Southeast Nigeria, noting that the estate is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo people. He praised Blord’s ability to establish a multimillion-dollar business in Ala Igbo, showcasing that the region is fertile ground for nurturing global ideas and ventures.

Gaius further expressed his admiration for Blord’s decision to build his empire locally, reinforcing the message that location should not limit success. This aligns with the mission of Gaius’ Eastside Ventures, which champions the mantra, “Build Locally, Export Globally.”

In a powerful statement to his brother, Gaius pledged that the current generation of Ndi Igbo will work together to drive growth and development from their homeland. The shared vision, he said, is clear: “Making Ala Igbo Great Again.”

This visit highlights the growing influence of Igbo entrepreneurs in the global tech and finance space and serves as a reminder that great ideas can thrive from any location.

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1st ‘Level 4’ autonomous route bus in Japan hits the road in Matsuyama

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An autonomous bus is seen in operation in the city of Matsuyama on Dec. 25, 2024. (Mainichi/Akiko Hirose) © The Mainichi
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MATSUYAMA — In a Japan first, a self-driving bus began operating here on Dec. 25 at fully autonomous “Level 4,” which does not necessitate manual driving given certain conditions.

According to the operator, Matsuyama-based Iyotetsu Group Co., this is the first regular service in the country for a route bus running at Level 4. The roughly 1.6-kilometer route it takes is between Takahama Eki-mae and Matsuyama Tourist Port stations, going both ways.

The fully electric vehicle can carry up to 12 passengers and run at a peak of 35 kmh. Of the roughly 60 round trips it takes, during winter driverless operations will be limited to between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Only cashless payments are accepted on board.

Safety officers holding Class 2 large vehicle licenses are aboard, while employees also monitor the bus’s operation remotely from an office within the city.

Iyotetsu began testing the self-driving function in October, and received approval from the Shikoku District Transport Bureau this month. The company stated that it chose a route that connects rail and sea transportation, and hopes to expand the service to other routes.

At a departing ceremony on Christmas Day, Ichiro Shimizu, the head of both Iyotetsu and the Nihon Bus Administration, said, “We hope the ‘Matsuyama model’ catches on nationwide to help resolve the driver staffing shortage that is becoming an issue in many places.”

(Japanese original by Akiko Hirose, Matsuyama Bureau)

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