GMO: DG, Media Guru demand support for research, investigative journalism

The Director-General (DG), National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha has advocated Government’s proper funding of research for more generation of improved technologies for commercial foods productivity, just as the Managing Director, Guardian Newspaper, Mr. Martins Oloja  stressed the need for financial support to investigative journalism towards accurate facts for national development.

The DG, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, and Guardian Newspaper MD, Mr. Oloja  both took this position at the recently concluded Open Forum of Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) held at Barcelona Hotel, Abuja where awards are given to journalists for excellence reportage on Genetically Modified Organism (GMO).

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, 2^nd best for print and Online, Daije Odok, best radio reporter, Docars Bello 2^nd Best TV reporter and Caleb Onwe,  coordinator’s Special Award.