HOMEF Pushes Agroecology as Alternative to GMOs, Warns of Risks to Nigeria’s Food Sovereignty

By: Michael Mike

The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has intensified its campaign against the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigeria, warning that increasing dependence on genetically engineered seeds could undermine the country’s indigenous crop varieties, erode biodiversity and weaken farmers’ control over food production.

The environmental advocacy organisation made the call on Thursday during a one-day farmers’ training on agroecology held at the Be The Help Foundation Farm in Dama-Kusa Village, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where farmers were introduced to sustainable farming techniques designed to improve productivity without reliance on genetically modified seeds or synthetic agricultural chemicals.

The training formed part of HOMEF’s broader advocacy for agroecology, which promotes environmentally friendly farming practices, biodiversity conservation and the preservation of farmers’ rights to save, exchange and replant indigenous seeds.

Speaking with journalists after the training, HOMEF’s Director of Programmes, Joyce Brown, said the organisation sought to demonstrate that sustainable agricultural productivity could be achieved through ecological farming systems rather than through genetically modified crops.

She warned that one of the greatest dangers posed by GMOs is the gradual contamination and possible disappearance of Nigeria’s indigenous crop varieties through gene flow during pollination.

“One of the major implications that GMOs pose for Nigeria is the risk of losing our indigenous crop varieties. Through pollination and other mechanisms, genes can transfer from GMOs to our local crops, and in the long run we risk losing our own varieties. The loss of biodiversity is also a major implication,” she said.

Brown argued that although GMOs are often promoted as a solution to food insecurity, they fail to address the structural problems confronting agriculture in Nigeria, including inadequate extension services, climate change and insufficient government support for smallholder farmers.

According to her, what farmers require is access to sustainable farming knowledge, climate-resilient production systems and policies that empower local food producers rather than dependence on expensive technologies.

“We brought farmers here to see for themselves that there are alternatives to GMOs and synthetic pesticides. The agroecological system being practised here shows that we do not need GMOs to increase food productivity. What farmers need is greater support, better extension services and climate-resilient farming practices,” she stated.

Brown also criticised what she described as weak regulatory oversight of genetically modified products in Nigeria, urging the Federal Government to adopt a clearer policy direction on biotechnology.

“There is an agency established to regulate GMOs, but other agencies are bypassing it to approve these products. Nigerians are not assured of the safety of what they are eating. Government must take a definitive position and increase support for farmers instead,” she added.

She further noted that several countries across the world have imposed restrictions on the cultivation or importation of specific genetically modified crops in order to protect indigenous farming systems and biodiversity, urging Nigeria to formulate policies that reflect its own agricultural realities and food security priorities.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of the Be The Help Foundation, Samuel Kwasari, described agroecology as a practical pathway towards achieving sustainable agriculture, environmental restoration and long-term food security.

Kwasari, who identified himself as the foundation’s “Chief Farmer,” explained that the organisation operates a regenerative agriculture model built around agroforestry, integrating crop cultivation with tree planting to restore degraded landscapes while improving farmers’ incomes.

“Our practice is regenerative agriculture through agroecology, using agroforestry as our major model. We want to produce food sustainably without harming the environment or human health. What you eat is what you are, so food should be safe and free from synthetic chemicals,” he said.

He explained that the farming model incorporates soil restoration, water conservation, nutrient recycling and carbon sequestration through carefully selected tree species that not only improve ecological health but also provide economic benefits from timber, firewood and carbon credits.

Kwasari described agroecology as a fusion of scientific knowledge and traditional farming practices adapted to local ecological conditions, stressing that sustainable agriculture must work with nature rather than against it.

He also drew a distinction between food sufficiency and food sovereignty, insisting that true food security extends beyond having enough food to include the freedom of farmers to determine what they cultivate and consume.

“Food sufficiency means you have food to eat. Food sovereignty means you have food and choice. It means you control what you grow, how you grow it and what you eat. Agroecology helps us achieve that because farmers remain in control of their seeds and production systems,” he explained.

According to him, Nigeria’s recurring food shortages are largely the result of inadequate planning and years of neglect of local food producers despite the country’s rapidly expanding population.

“We have had food production deficits for years. Government needs policies that enable local and indigenous food growers to produce for domestic consumption first. Let people grow their food, eat it first, and export only the surplus,” he said.

Kwasari maintained that HOMEF’s opposition to GMOs is rooted in practical demonstrations rather than theory, noting that the foundation has spent seven years proving that agroecology and agroforestry can deliver sustainable agricultural productivity.

“For seven years we have demonstrated that agroecology and agroforestry work. One of our greatest concerns with GMOs is that farmers lose control of their seeds. Once you lose seed sovereignty, you lose food sovereignty because someone else begins to determine what you plant and how you farm,” he said.

On pest management, he explained that the farm relies on integrated ecological approaches rather than chemical pesticides, maintaining biodiversity to naturally regulate pest populations while producing organic bio-fertilisers on-site to nourish crops.

“We intentionally design the farm so that insects and other organisms have their place within the ecosystem. We don’t focus on killing pests; we manage them. We also produce our own local bio-fertilisers on the farm, and those are what we use to nourish our crops,” he added.

While HOMEF reiterated its opposition to GMOs during the training, it is worth noting that supporters of genetically modified crops, including several scientific and regulatory bodies, argue that approved GM crops can increase yields, improve resistance to pests and climate stresses, and are considered safe when subjected to established regulatory assessments. The debate over GMOs therefore remains one of the most contested issues in agricultural policy, balancing food security objectives, environmental concerns, farmers’ rights and scientific evidence.

HOMEF Pushes Agroecology as Alternative to GMOs, Warns of Risks to Nigeria’s Food Sovereignty

Youth Must Shape Nigeria’s Democratic Future Through Peaceful 2027 Polls, NHRC Charges

By: Michael Mike

With less than a year to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong call to the nation’s youth to take ownership of the country’s democratic future by participating actively, peacefully and responsibly in the electoral process, warning that credible elections remain the cornerstone of national stability, accountable leadership and sustainable development.

The charge came from the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, who delivered the keynote address at the 6th National Leadership and Youth Stakeholders Conference in Abuja, themed: “2027 Elections: From Voices to Votes – Process, Participation, Security and National Stability Beyond 2027.”

Addressing a gathering of youth leaders, policymakers and civil society stakeholders, Ojukwu described young Nigerians as the country’s most powerful force for democratic transformation, urging them to move beyond social media activism and public discourse to meaningful civic engagement through the ballot box.

He stressed that voting and contesting for elective office are fundamental rights guaranteed under Nigeria’s Constitution and insisted that the success of the 2027 elections would depend on the willingness of citizens, particularly young people, to reject violence, hate speech, voter intimidation, misinformation, discrimination and the growing menace of vote-buying.

According to him, democracy can only flourish where citizens are free to participate without fear and where elections reflect the genuine will of the people.

“Peaceful and credible elections are indispensable to national stability, good governance and sustainable development,” Ojukwu said, noting that protecting electoral integrity is a collective responsibility involving citizens, political parties, security agencies, electoral officials and civil society organisations.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s determination to ensure that the 2027 elections are firmly anchored on respect for human rights through intensified election monitoring, investigation of electoral rights violations, voter education and strategic collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other key stakeholders before, during and after the polls.

The NHRC boss said the Commission was building on the successes of its Mobilising Voters for Election (MOVE) Project, implemented during the 2023 general elections, which promoted voter education, peaceful participation and increased inclusion of youths, women and other traditionally underrepresented groups.

He explained that the lessons from the project are already shaping the Commission’s advocacy and preparations for the next electoral cycle, with greater emphasis on protecting voters’ rights and expanding civic participation.

Beyond elections, Ojukwu argued that strengthening democracy also requires addressing the socio-economic challenges confronting millions of young Nigerians.

He called for greater investment in entrepreneurship, innovation, skills acquisition and youth empowerment programmes to tackle poverty and unemployment, warning that economic hardship leaves many young people vulnerable to political exploitation and electoral violence.

He further advocated leadership founded on integrity, transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law, insisting that democratic governance can only thrive where human rights are protected and public institutions enjoy the confidence of the people.

Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to advancing rights-based governance, Ojukwu said the NHRC would continue to deepen partnerships with youth organisations, government institutions, civil society groups and development partners to strengthen civic education, promote peaceful coexistence and safeguard the rights of every Nigerian.

He concluded with a rallying call to the country’s youth to become active custodians of Nigeria’s democracy.

“The future of Nigeria depends on informed, active and responsible citizens. Your voices are important, but your votes give those voices democratic legitimacy. Together, let us build a Nigeria where elections are peaceful, leaders are accountable, and human rights remain the foundation of democratic governance,” he said.

With political activities expected to intensify in the coming months, the Commission urged Nigerians to embrace peaceful participation and uphold democratic values, saying the choices made in 2027 will have far-reaching implications for national unity, security and the country’s democratic trajectory.

Youth Must Shape Nigeria’s Democratic Future Through Peaceful 2027 Polls, NHRC Charges

DSS, Forest Guards Neutralise Three Bandits, Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims in Kwara

By Zagazola Makama

The Department of State Services (DSS), in a coordinated intelligence-led operation with the Kwara State Forest Guards, local hunters and vigilante groups, has neutralised three suspected bandits and rescued nine kidnapped victims during a gun battle in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out in the Obbo Aiyegunle, Ejiu Ora and Osi axis of Ekiti LGA, a forested area bordering Kwara and Ekiti states, following credible intelligence on the activities of armed kidnappers operating within the corridor.

The sources disclosed that the armed gang, believed to comprise more than 10 members, had assembled several victims abducted from different locations, including farmers kidnapped from their farmlands in Kwara and victims earlier seized in neighbouring Ekiti State, before security operatives stormed the hideout.

On sighting the advancing security team, the bandits engaged the operatives in a fierce gun battle but were overwhelmed by superior firepower. Three of the suspects were neutralised, while the remaining members of the gang fled into the surrounding forest with varying degrees of injuries, abandoning their captives.

All nine victims were rescued alive during the operation. One of the rescued victims sustained severe head injuries after he was reportedly attacked with a machete by the kidnappers while resisting abduction and is receiving medical attention.

Confirming the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Area, Prince Dada Sunday, said the successful operation followed actionable intelligence gathered by security agencies.

He commended the DSS, Forest Guards, hunters and vigilante operatives for their swift response, noting that their intervention prevented the victims from being moved deeper into the forest.

One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu of Obbo Aiyegunle, narrated how he and his son were abducted by armed men while on their farm.

“They came from nowhere and pointed a gun at my head. Four of them took me and my son. They also seized my friend’s motorcycle before forcing us into the bush,” he said.

Another rescued farmer, Ibrahim Danga, said the victims had been held in captivity before the security team launched the rescue operation.

A member of the Kwara State Forest Guards, Owolabi Adebayo, who participated in the operation, said the mission was based on credible intelligence.

“We neutralised three of them and rescued nine victims. They were heavily armed and possessed different types of firearms. However, we need more operational equipment, including body armour, binoculars, night vision goggles, walkie-talkies and adequate ammunition to effectively confront these criminal elements,” he said.

Security sources said efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing members of the gang, while surveillance has been intensified across the forest corridor to prevent the regrouping of criminal elements operating along the Kwara–Ekiti border.

DSS, Forest Guards Neutralise Three Bandits, Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims in Kwara