NABDA Seeks LEADERSHIP’s Support On Biotechnology

National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) has called for the support of LEADERSHIP Media Group to promote its efforts to tackle food insecurity and improve the lives of Nigerian farmers.

This was the thrust of discussion when a delegation from NABDA paid a courtesy visit to the corporate headquarters of the LEADERSHIP Group in Abuja on Wednesday, as the agency reeled out its investment and achievements in key areas of agric biotech, medical biotech, environmental biotech as well as food and industrial biotech.

The delegation leader and the Director/Country Coordinator of OFAB Nigeria, Dr. Rose Gidado, who represented the agency’s Director General, Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, noted that the visit was necessary to collaborate with the media giant for effective coverage of an international conference on Biotechnology, which is scheduled to take place in Abuja between July 15 and 19, 2024.

She said, “We are here to inform you about an international conference on Biotechnology. We need your coverage of this conference, and we are soliciting your support and participation. The objective of the conference is to highlight the advancement that has been made in the area of biotechnology globally to discuss potential applications and benefits to the African continent and to demonstrate how we can use this technology to drive economic growth.”

She explained that the conference, tagged “biotechnology and engine for economic growth,” also aims to connect African scientists, entrepreneurs, policy makers, and other stakeholders with international expertise.

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“People are coming from all over the globe to share their experiences in these areas, especially those that have advanced in this technology. The conference will also explore industry engagements, identify opportunities and challenges for biotechnology,” she added.

She added that Nigeria would use the opportunity provided by the conference to showcase the innovation it made in the area of maize farming with the launch of the federal government’s transgenic maize, also known as tele maize, which is insect and drought resistant as well as other forms of genetics and bioinformatics.

“We want to demonstrate to the nation and the global community that this technology can actually contribute to food security in Nigeria and the transformation of farmers’ livelihood because it will increase their yields,” she added.

Welcoming the delegation, the managing editor of the LEADERSHIP Group, Mrs Raliat Yusuf, expressed the determination of the media group to partner and support the agency to promote advances they have made in innovation and to help enlighten the public about the agency’s intentions to enhance agriculture and dispel some misconceptions about genetically modified products.

Mrs Ahmed-Yusuf, who represented the Editor-in-Chief, Azu Ishiekwne, reaffirmed LEADERSHIP’s unwavering support to value-adding journalism that will promote innovation and progress of the agency.

“I also want to assure you that we are ready to support your noble cause and champion all people-oriented policy from the government; we look forward to having a stronger partnership with the agency,” the Managing Editor added.