OFAB decries stigmatization of GMO technology in Nigeria

Country coordinator of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology, OFAB in Africa, Dr. Rose Gidado, has raised the alarm that the Genetically Modified Organisms, GMO technology has been stigmatized greatly in Nigeria.

Gidado, therefore, called for greater partnership with the media in enlightenment of the Nigerian masses on the benefits of GM crops.

The coordinator, who spoke in Abuja when she led a team on a courtesy call to the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Mr. Buki Ponle, noted with sadness that anti – GMO organizations had even taken her members and partners to court by painting negative pictures on consumption of GM foods.

According to her, GMO technology will enable Nigeria to attain the much desired food security as crops will be resistant to pests and insects while far greater yields and profits will be recorded by farmers.

She mentioned countries including Brazil and India as those who had achieved food security through the adoption of GMO technology in their agriculture.

Gidado asserted that OFAB viewed NAN as a strategic partner in educating Nigerians on mass adoption of GMO technology, pointing out that “information is vital to make this technology a success.”

Responding, the Managing Director of NAN, Ponle said the Agency was willing to partner with organizations especially those in a critical sector like agriculture.

The Managing Director, who was represented by the Editor-In-Chief, Mr. Silas Nwoha, assured OFAB of NAN’s support in enlightenment of Nigerians on the need to adopt GMO technology.

Ponle, who listed the various news products of NAN, said they would be made available to OFAB to enhance its mandate and efforts in Nigeria.

The OFAB delegation also included the representatives from the National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, African Agricultural Technology Foundation, National Agricultural Seed Council of Nigeria, Sheda Science and Technology Centre, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, and the National Biotechnology Development Agency, NABDA.