Ofab Award: Minister insists on improved technology for food security

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has reiterated the government’s commitment to leveraging science and technology to enhance food security.

Chief Uche Nnaji speaking at the 8th Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Media Award (OMA) in Abuja last week Tuesday emphasized the need for a stronger national focus on science and technology as vital tools to improving the lives of Nigerians.

He warned that without genuine societal recognition of science and technology’s critical role, Nigeria’s vision of progress may remain a topic for conferences without a realized goal.

Nnaji stressed the need for government political will through supportive policies and implementation that encourage Nigerian scientists to remain in the country for proactive development thereby checking high trend of talent migration abroad.

While acknowledging African governments’ commitments to science, technology, and innovation as outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Nnaji criticized the current lack of action beyond conference dialogues as he challenged the media to highlight achievements in local scientific innovation.

“Science is a global endeavor, and Nigeria will continue to explore its potential to improve citizens' lives, especially in food security and nutrition" Nnaji stated.

The Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha described OFAB media award as giving back to responsible science communication through recognizing journalists who effectively report on agricultural biotechnology’s benefits and challenges. 

Dr. Rose Gidado, Director of Agricultural Biotechnology at NBRDA, reflected on the eight-year journey of the OFAB Media Award. She credited the platform for enhancing the public understanding of biotechnology’s role in agriculture and improving national science literacy through extensive media collaboration.

Gidado said that Nigeria has achieved significant milestones in the improved varieties release and commercialization of crops such as Bt cotton, Pod Borer Resistant Cowpea, and TELA Maize which were made possible with media support against initial misinformation.

Dr. Gidado emphasized the media's role in shaping public perception with informed policy, noting that the award has empowered science journalists and fostered a positive narrative around biotechnology in Nigeria.