Nigeria has recorded successes in genetically modified crops – NABDA DG
Philip Clement, Abuja
The Director General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha has announced that Nigeria has recorded huge successes in some genetically modified crops in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 5th Edition of the Open Forum for Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) media awards held in Abuja on Thursday, he said journalists overtime have served as reliable stakeholders in sensitizing Nigerians on genetically modified crops.
He said the event is relevant in the biotechnology and biosafety space to enhance the living standard of the people through the use of emerging technologies like modern biotechnology practice
He said no technology development has ever succeeded anywhere in the world without the media playing a vital role of leading its propagation and ensuring its acceptance. Today
“Agricultural biotechnology sector in the country is undergoing a rapid transformation with scientists and researchers working round the clock to improve various crops, so far, we have made progress with three crops: Cotton, Cowpea and Maize.
Cotton and Cowpea are already with farmers while Maize will get to the farmers in one and the half years’ time, it has already been de-regulated by the National Biosafety Management Agency, meaning the genes of insert have been certified safe by the agency.
“The next phase of commercialisation is very crucial to the successes already recorded because if we fail to get the products to farmers then the many years of research and Advoavcy will be in vain.
It is this note that I want to urge our media partners not to relent but to continue to work with scientists to keep Nigerians inform of what is happening in the various research institute,” Prof. Mustapha further stated.
He said the federal government will continue to encourage scientist to work for the good of the country and the people as over 16 research institutes all over the country have been mandate to improve various crops.
Earlier in her remarks, the country Director of OFAB, Dr. Rose Gidado said the OFAB Media Award is an annual event instituted by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) for OFAB in Seven African countries (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania).
According to her, the award which is in its fifth year has the aim of recognizing and rewarding exemplary journalism that stimulates best practices in the adoption of agricultural technologies – particularly agricultural biotechnology for sustainable development, poverty eradication and food security.
“The Award is in the following categories: Television, Radio Category and Print and online Category
“It is open to ALL science journalists in all the aforementioned countries where Eligible entries are published or aired between before the screening exercise.
Scientists and researchers are making steady progress in the deployment of agricultural biotechnology in the country but some armed-chair critics who see nothing good in the efforts of our scientists whom in view of limited funding and most vital facilities are making progress braking new grounds and competing with their counterparts from developed countries.,” She said
Mrs Gidado added that ,OFAB has trained over 100 journalists, and this has to some extent deepen the understanding of modern biotechnology.
” We have so far awarded over 15 journalists across the Nigerian media landscape and as well empowered them with grants of various sums to independently research on agricultural biotechnology.
“We are open to collaboration with any media house in the country to expand the discussion on modern biotechnology and its tools. For us, the media remain our strategic allies and we on our part will do everything to ensure the work environment is conducive for reporters and editors,” she added.
