According to the Nigeria chapter of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), it is advancing evidence-based knowledge of agricultural biotechnology by regularly interacting with farmers, policymakers, civil society, and the media.
This was said in a goodwill statement at the 37th Annual International Conference of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN) by Dr. Rose M. Gidado, Project Lead of OFAB Nigeria and Director of the Agricultural Biotechnology Department at the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA).
The meeting, according to Dr. Gidado, is an essential forum for developing biotechnology solutions for environmental sustainability, health, and food security.
She praised the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, and BSN for organizing the Annual International Conference with such success.
According to Dr. Gidado, OFAB, which was founded by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) in 2006 and debuted in Nigeria in 2009, has played a significant role in clearing up misunderstandings around genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
“Through consistent engagement with policymakers, farmers, civil society, and the media, OFAB has promoted evidence-based understanding of agricultural biotechnology,” she emphasized.
She claims that the successful passage of the Biosafety Bill, which was subsequently signed into law by the president, was one of OFAB’s greatest successes in Nigeria. “This milestone has paved the way for safer adoption of biotechnology innovations in the country,” she added.
Dr. Gidado highlighted that OFAB is committed to advancing sustainable agricultural development throughout Africa and praised the conference’s theme, “Innovative Biotechnology for National Growth: Pathways to Food Security, Health, and Environmental Sustainability.”
However, she urged politicians, professionals, and researchers to work together to shape Nigeria’s biotechnology future.