By Lucy Ogalue
Equatorial Guinea has sought a partnership with Tiamin Rice, a leading rice mill in Nigeria, to foster sustainable agricultural development and enhanced food security across Africa.
The Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to Nigeria, Francisco Mague, said this in a statement issued by the company’s Business Relations Manager, Mohammed Inuwa on Monday in Abuja.
Mague, during a visit to the Tiamin Rice in Bauchi, commended the company for the cutting-edge technology it installed in its rice mill.
He said that such a facility, with its level of sophistication and scale, was a testament to Africa’s potential to achieve self-sufficiency and become a major player in global agricultural markets.
Mague also emphasised leveraging such advancements to enhance regional food security and economic development.
While conveying his country’s interest in establishing a strategic partnership with Tiamin Rice, he said the relationship would be mutually beneficial and strengthen ties between Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria and Bauchi State.
He said:” Tiamin is positioned to play a pivotal role not only as a key player in the Nigerian rice industry but in the African continent as a whole.”
In his response, the Group Managing Director of Tiamin Rice, Aminu Ahmed, expressed his gratitude for the visit and the encouraging remarks of the diplomat.
Ahmed reiterated Tiamin’s commitment to driving excellence and sustainable growth in the rice industry and welcomed the opportunity to explore collaborative initiatives with Equatorial Guinea.
He also expressed Tiamin’s dedication to contributing to the economic development of Nigeria and the broader African continent by advancing agriculture and agribusiness.
Ahmed said: “The Tiamin Group is looking forward to the potential collaboration with Equatorial Guinea and remains committed to fostering strong partnerships that will benefit all parties involved.
“The company believes that by working together, African nations can harness their collective strengths to build a more prosperous and food-secure future for the continent.”
Meanwhile, during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, the governor expressed his admiration for Ahmed, describing him as a commendable ambassador of the state.
The governor endorsed Tiamin’s honesty, integrity, resoluteness, and business expertise.
He affirmed the State Government’s willingness to facilitate any collaborative endeavours for the mutual benefit of Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria.
“When you have an exemplary individual as your son, they will in turn, attract other outstanding individuals to your state.
“Tiamin is a credit to Bauchi State, and through his efforts, he has brought prestige and advancement to our state.
“He has brought honour and progress to our state by bringing an illustrious son of Africa in the person of Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea.
“By fostering a relationship with the distinguished Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea, he has further brought honour to our state,” he said.
Similarly, during a visit to the Emir of Bauchi, he expressed his deep pride in Ahmed and presented the esteemed visitor with traditional attire as a gesture of respect. (NAN)
Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams
