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Nigerian Doctor Turns Green House Farmer in Rwanda

By Dolapo Aina
Greenhouse farming is the unique farm practice of growing crops within sheltered structures covered by a transparent, or partially transparent, material. The main purpose of greenhouses is to provide favourable growing conditions and to protect crops from unfavourable weather and various pests.
In the book titled: “Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation in Tropical Islands” which was published in 2008; greenhouses are described as frames of inflated structure covered with a transparent material in which crops are grown under controlled environment conditions. Greenhouse cultivation as well as other modes of controlled environment cultivation has been evolved basically to create favourable micro-climates, which favours crop production all through the year or part of the year as required. In general, greenhouses and other technologies for controlled environment plant production are associated with the off-season production of vegetables, ornamentals and food crops of high value in cold climate areas where outdoor production is not possible.
Now, according to Dutch greenhouse experts, greenhouse technology from the Netherlands has been setting the international standard for horticulture for over a century. According to Dutch Green House’s website; “The success of greenhouse models makes cultivation of all sorts of fruits, vegetables and flowers possible on a commercial scale. In the past, growers relied on their region’s climate conditions, but with the advancements in greenhouse technology, today’s modern growers can exert complete control over the greenhouse’s internal climate. In the 21st century, technology makes it possible to grow tropical crops, such as tomatoes and peppers, in the cold regions. The other way around, juicy cucumbers and fresh lettuce crops can be cultivated in greenhouses in the deserts and arid lands of other regions.
Doing some research on greenhouses, it is reported that they can range in size from small sheds to industrial-sized buildings and enormous glasshouses. The smallest example is a miniaturised greenhouse known as a cold frame, typically used at home, whereas large commercial greenhouses are high tech production facilities for vegetables. Greenhouse farming has been a part of our growing history globally. But it is acclaimed that rapid and evolving technology and climate change are transforming how and why farmers now grow in greenhouses. Since outside conditions don’t necessarily impact plants or workers, the greenhouse’s protected environment provides a safe and stable condition.
In the country of Rwanda, some African greenhouse farmers can be found. A Nigerian British doctor turned farmer, is one of such greenhouse farmers. Dr Remi Banjoko started visiting Rwanda in 2004 and founded Ndego Farms Ventures several years later. The 22-hectare farm specialising in greenhouse farming was incorporated in December 2022 and operations commenced in August 2023.
Interacting with the doctor turned farmer, I queried him asking why go into the interior parts of Rwanda; Dr Banjoko stated that him and his investors were looking for agricultural land next to a lake at affordable prices and Ndego sector in Kayonza District in Eastern Province was where they found the perfect land for their greenhouse farming venture.
On the question for his decision to do greenhouse farming in Rwanda, the doctor turned farmer simply stated that he commenced farming in Rwanda because of the ease in doing business, security and government support and incentives. And the specialisation on Greenhouse farming because of increased productivity.
As with any field there are challenges and for the doctor turned farmer; “Normal challenges in agriculture, as in any other country, getting a good team together, capital costs and patience.”
On the future of greenhouse farming in Rwanda, the farmer was and is still of the view that due to the size of the country and upcoming government policies, greenhouse farming is going to play a large role in farming in Rwanda.
From my initial research and investigation on the ground in Rwanda, greenhouse farming has a plethora of advantages such as year-round growing, minimised production risks, maximisation of profits, disease and pest prevention increased stability and security, increased production, bountiful harvests. Just to name a few.
The greenhouse farming is the future of agriculture. This is usually the statement cum assertion of African farmers. This fact is undeniable as the statistics and evidence are empirical.
Featured
70th Birthday: Davido Gifts Timi of Ede Brand New Luxurious GAC Car

Renowned musician and pop star, David Adeleke, also known as Davido, has presented a brand-new GAC GS8 4WD car to HRM Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, the Timi of Ede, in celebration of his 70th birthday.
The luxurious vehicle was presented at an eleborate ceremony by the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, on behalf of Davido.
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Meet Nigeria Customs National Public Relations Officer, ACC Abdullahi Maiwada

They come as ready as they are prepared. They are the efficiency of paramilitary and security endeavours. They secure border integrity. They are the Nigeria Customs Service, and one man is at the forefront of projecting their hard earned glorious image. He is Assistant Comptroller of Police Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada.
In December 2024, Maiwada, who is the National Spokesman of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) was elevated to office Assistant Comptroller of Customs. His promotion was a consequence of efficiency, doggedness, hard work and ability to exhibit all the qualities of one with an eye to details.
Maiwada was among many officers who benefitted from the recent promotion by the Customs board.
His trajectory in the Service and beyond, is captured as follows:
A prolific image manager, AC Maiwada was born on January 12, 1987 in Katsina State.
He attended his primary and secondary school education in Bayero University Kano.
He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education/Geography and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Management from Bayero University Kano.
He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in mass communication from Crescent University Abeokuta. He is currently a Doctorate Researcher specialising in Internal Communication at the University of Abuja.
AC Maiwada was enlisted into the Nigeria Customs Service as Cadet ASC II in 2011. He had a long stint as the Zonal Public Relations Officer Zone ‘B’ Headquarters, Public Relations Officer Ogun Command (now Ogun I & II Area Commands).
AC Maiwada was deployed to Headquarters in 2020 as the pioneer Liaison Officer of Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network and later deputised the immediate past National Public Relations Officer from January 2022 to February 2023. He was appointed substantive spokesperson of NCS in April 2023, a position he holds to date.
To fully embrace the service of Public Relations and its dynamics, AC Abdullahi Maiwada is a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and a member of the African Public Relations Association (APRA).
He also holds full membership with the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), and the Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON).
He has attended numerous courses relating to Customs Operations, Trade Facilitation, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, and Leadership.
As a consummate and seasoned Officer, he is a recipient of the 2020 World Customs Organisation (WCO) meritorious award. He recently bagged the Best Spokesperson of the Year award organised by Image Merchant Limited.
Under his watch, the Public Relations Unit recently received the WCO Meritorious Award during the 2024 International Customs Day Celebration (ICD). He also received the 2024 Best Spokesperson Award from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
He has several published conceptual and empirical papers relating to Public Relations in Customs and other areas in the field of communication.
He is happily married with three kids.
Featured
Glo Partners Samsung to Offer Customers the Exclusive Galaxy S-25

Digital solutions company, Globacom, has teamed up with Samsung, world’s leading manufacturer of electronic devices, to bring a new offer to Glo subscribers. This tantalising deal allows Glo customers to pre-order the highly sought-after Samsung Galaxy S-25 smartphone and enjoy unique benefits.
Samsung Electronics unveiled its newest flagship smartphones: the Galaxy S25 series which comes with cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and was designed to elevate user experience and set new standards in the industry on January 22, 2025.
The pre-ordering exercise kicked off on January 22 and closes on February 18, 2025 at Gloworld shops across the country. It gives customers the opportunity to select from the Galaxy S25 lineup, including the S25 Ultra, the top-tier and most sophisticated model, as well as the S25+ and the standard S25. They, however, come with different processors and storage options.
Customers who pre-order the Galaxy S25 or S25+ will receive complimentary gifts, including a Buds FE, a suit cover, and Samsung Care, while those opting for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, will receive a free Buds 3, a standing grip case, and Samsung Care.
Globacom is also delighting customers who purchase any model from the Galaxy S25 series with 18GB bonus data for 6 months under smartphone festival data plans, while they can also secure their pre-order at any Gloworld shop with an advance payment of ₦500,000. Pre-ordered phones will be delivered to customers from February 19 onwards.
“We are thrilled to bring this offer to our subscribers, who will enjoy unparalleled benefits, including innovative packaging. This partnership with Samsung reinforces our commitment to providing value-added services that cater to the evolving needs of our customers”.
The company advises other phone lovers who are yet to pre-order the new device to visit any Gloworld outlet close to them and join the list of the new owners of the Samsung S-25 phone before the expiry date.
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