Prof. Mustapha
stressed that the sixteen agricultural research institutes in the country need
proper funding to actualize their mandates on improvement of various crops,
saying nothing can be achieved without effective funding.
He explained that
primitive agricultural practices are facing serious challenges that required the
intervention of agricultural biotechnology engineering technology, adding that ‘‘all
over the world, science and technology innovations hold the key to overcoming
challenges’’
The NABDA boss
pointed that the agricultural biotechnology in the country is undergoing a
rapid transformation with scientists and researchers working round the clock to
improve resistance of crops like cotton and cowpea against pest and diseases as they are already in the hands of farmers for commercialization,
while maize would be available in one and half years.
He however urged
the media not to relent but to continue to work with scientists to keep
Nigerians more inform on what is happening in the various research institutes
as regards their research mandates.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer/MD, the Guardians Newspaper, Mr. Martin Oloja is of the view that Government should support the funding of investigative journalism for objective answers to issues of national development, saying investigative journalism is very expensive, and add values to nation building.
Oloja said that the
role of investigative report cannot be overemphasized in national development,
as it would further help to create facts in critical issues as he thereby
called for the funding and support of the cause.
In her remark the
OFAB country representative Dr. Rose Gidado commended journalists that have
taken their time to understand the concept of Genetically Modified Organism
(GMO) in our cropping system in view of pest and diseases that are destroying
our Open Pollinated Varieties (OPV) seeds.
Among journalists
awarded are Hadiza Mohammed Aaly as overall winner, Collins Nnabuife Chideraa,
best print and online Reporter, Hadiza Mohammed
Aaly, best TV reporter, Juliana Agbo, 2nd best for print and Online,
Daije Odok, best radio reporter, Docars Bello 2nd Best TV reporter
and Caleb Onwe, coordinator’s Special
Award.
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