By Mercy Aikoye
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) in Nigeria, in collaboration with the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), recently organized a one-day sensitization workshop for journalists on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and their products. The workshop aimed to provide a platform for evidence-based dialogue and build meaningful partnerships between the media and the scientific community.
Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General/CEO of NBRDA, emphasized the importance of the workshop, stating that it comes at a critical time when developing and underdeveloped countries are grappling with challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, and biotic and abiotic stresses.
“Responsibly developed and effectively adopted agricultural biotechnology offers a powerful set of tools to address these interconnected problems,” he said.
Mustapha highlighted the potential of GMOs in improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across Nigeria, citing examples such as high-yielding, drought-tolerant maize, herbicide-tolerant soybeans, and pod borer-resistant cowpea.
“These are not just scientific milestones, they are real-world solutions that transform lives, improve food systems, and strengthen farmer resilience,” he noted.
Despite the potential benefits, Mustapha acknowledged the challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation in the context of GMOs and biotechnology.
“These distortions of truth are dangerous because they lead people to make decisions based on inaccurate or false information,” he said. He emphasized the crucial role of the media in promoting evidence-based reporting and building trust in science.
The workshop provided a platform for journalists to engage with experts and discuss the intricacies of GMOs. Mr. Gboyega Onadiran, Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, noted that the topic is contentious, with divergent views on the potential benefits and risks associated with GMOs.
“Today, we have the opportunity to listen to experts on this very important issue,” he said.
The participants were taken through various topics, including the science of agricultural biotechnology, deploying biotechnology tools to address farmers’ productivity challenges, and the safety of modern biotechnology in Nigeria. Dr. Rufus Ebegba, in his presentation, stated that Nigeria has the best biotechnology policy in the world and that “nobody can stop GMO in the world.”
The workshop aimed to develop effective counter-narratives that can help reduce misinformation in the Nigerian media landscape, particularly around GMOs and their products. The participants described the outcome of the training as rewarding, and the workshop’s goal is to promote evidence-based reporting and build trust in science.
As Prof. Mustapha noted, “Your narratives can spark innovation, build trust in science, foster unity, and empower communities.” The media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing policy, and this workshop is a step towards promoting a more informed and nuanced discussion around GMOs and biotechnology in Nigeria.
