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HOMEF: GMO Introduction into Nigeria’s Food Security Plan, A Big Mistake
HOMEF: GMO Introduction into Nigeria’s Food Security Plan, A Big Mistake
By: Michael Mike
Health of Mother Foundation has described the introduction of genetically modified organism (GMO) into Nigeria’s food security plan as a big mistake as it jeopardizes the potential of any country especially in Africa to reach their full potential in food production.
The Executive Director of HOMEF, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, In his opening remarks at a workshop organised for Judiciary Officials on GMOs and Biosafety in Nigeria, said GMO narrow down the varieties available and its becomes dominant threats to the local varieties available.
He said: “Introducing GMO’s for reason of food security is a big mistake, because GMO’s jeopardize the potential of any country especially in Africa to reach their full potential to achieve food security because GMO’s reduce biodiversity, its narrow down the varieties available and it becomes dominant threats to the local varieties available.”
He noted that the introduction of GMOs in Nigeria has raised serious concerns about safety, regulatory oversight, and their potential impacts on the country’s biosafety.
The subject of the dangers of GMO foods was front burner at the training organised by HOMEF in Abuja on Monday with discussion centered on the role the judiciary arms of government need to play and it’s also involved creating awareness for those who are interpreting the nation’s laws as it’s border on the guide of the agency of government that are saddle with the responsibility of regulating, such as biosafety agency.
Bassey added that “to provide alternative in place of GMOs, we should first realize that it is food sovereignty that secure food security. What that means is that we should be depending on our indigenous species, ensuring that food we produce conforms to our culture, the government should also ensure that there is proper infrastructure because today many of the food produce are wasting because there is no storage facility.
“However, we realize that government can make mistakes and that’s why we need strict liability in the law. So, when the citizens found out that what you said was safe it’s not really safe, you should be held accountable. So, that the government we not continue to use us as guinea pigs.”
In his reaction, one of the participants at the workshop, Barrister Inibehe Effiong said: “I think the training is very necessary. It is intended to equip members of the judiciary, both lawyers, and My Lord on the bench with the requisite technical knowledge about GMOs in Nigeria, genetically modified organisms. For many people in our country, it is a novel concept. They are not quite familiar with what GMOs was all about. And because, we are seeing many food products being introduced in the market. And then there are regulatory issues regarding that and the manner in which authorizations and permits are issued under the law.
“For example, under the part seven of the national biosafety management agency act, there have been questions over time, about the manner in which those permits are issued. Would they have been causes or instances where HOMEF has tried to activate the judicial process to test the regulatory framework for issuing authorization.”
He said: “What we found from those court cases, is that there was a need to keep our judges and even lawyers with the legal framework governing GMOs in Nigeria. So that when such cases come before them, they can understand what exactly the issues are about and that was why, HOMEF deemed it fit to organize this training and bring to focus the seriousness of the matter, because as I stated, most Nigerians don’t really know what GMO was about. But lately we have seen conversations on social media, people are becoming more increasingly aware of it.”
He urged all Nigerians to reject all GMOs and also engage in various levels of personal and community education, sensitisation, and advocacy to demand the withdrawal/repeal of policies and legislation that allow licensing and indeed permit the cultivation, distribution and public consumption of GMOs.
HOMEF: GMO Introduction into Nigeria’s Food Security Plan, A Big Mistake
UN Secretary-General Urges Global Reset as Military Spending Hits Record High
By: Michael Mike
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the world is at a critical turning point, urging global leaders to redirect priorities from war to peace as military spending reaches unprecedented levels.
In his New Year video message, Guterres said the international community is grappling with deepening chaos and uncertainty marked by growing divisions, violence, climate breakdown and persistent violations of international law.
“The world stands at a crossroads,” the UN chief said, noting that many people are increasingly questioning whether political leaders are listening or prepared to act in the face of escalating global challenges.
Guterres revealed that global military expenditure has surged to about 2.7 trillion dollars, representing an increase of nearly 10 per cent. According to him, the figure is 13 times higher than total global development aid and roughly equal to the entire Gross Domestic Product of Africa.
He described the trend as alarming, especially as conflicts are raging at levels not seen since the Second World War, while millions of people continue to suffer from poverty, inequality and the effects of climate change.
Calling for a shift in global priorities, the Secretary-General stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved by investing more in human development rather than вооружed conflict. “A safer world begins by investing more in fighting poverty and less in fighting wars,” he said.
Guterres maintained that the world has sufficient resources to improve living standards, protect the planet and build a future anchored on peace and justice, if political will is applied.
Looking ahead to 2026, he challenged leaders across the globe to make decisive choices that place people and the environment above conflict and suffering. He also appealed to citizens worldwide to take responsibility and contribute to positive change.
“Our future depends on our collective courage to act,” Guterres said, calling for renewed global unity in the pursuit of justice, humanity and peace in the new year.
UN Secretary-General Urges Global Reset as Military Spending Hits Record High
Two others loose life as Anthony Joshua survives car crash in Ogun state
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed two deaths even as the world renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua, survived a fatal car crash in Ogun state.
The three were moving in the same vehicle today when their vehicle was involved in a road traffic accident after a head on collision with an on coming vehicle at about 11:00 am, in Makun area of Ogun State.
The incident occurred along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, just before Danco Filling Station, near the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound axis.
Ogun state police spokesman Oluseyi Babaseyi in a statement said that the vehicle conveying Anthony Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated.
” He was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and receiving medical attention.
“Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene. The deceased have been conveyed to Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu.
“The Ogun State Police Command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has commenced..
“Further updates on the incident will be communicated as investigation progresses.” Said the release.
Two others loose life as Anthony Joshua survives car crash in Ogun state
Emir of FIKA calls for unity to foster development in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
His Royal Highness, the Emir of Fika and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Dr. Muhammad Ibn Abali Muhammad Idrisa CON, CFR, has called on community leaders, elders, youth, and all stakeholders to join hands to unite in our commitment to fostering development, preserving our heritage, and empowering one another.
The royal father made the call at the unveiling of the potentials of Kukar-Gadu, the launching of the history of Kukar-Gadu, the presentation of the Kukar-Gadu physical development plan, and the commission of the Kukar-Gadu Empowerment Development Initiative at Kukar-Gadu town in Yobe state.
He said, “Let us first reflect on the profound heritage that Kukar-Gadu stlands for. Our history is steeped in resilience, courage, and a spirit of unity that transcends generations.” Adding that, the history of the Kukar-Gadu book is a testament to our past, a chronicle that honors our ancestors, celebrates our tradition, and preserves the narratives that define our identity.
Dr. Abali maintains that the Kukar-Gadu physical development plan is a visionary blueprint designed to guide our growth, improve our infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for our commitment to sustainable development that is inclusive, strategic, and responsive to the needs of our community.
“It is essential that we work collaboratively to implement this plan, fostering partnerships among government entities, private stakeholders, and community members. Noted that, in doing so, we can transform our vision into reality. May this development plan serve as a catalyst for positive change, sparking economic growth and social progress.” The Royal Father said.
The Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers further revealed that the commissioning of the Kukar-Gadu Empowerment Development Initiative aims to equip our youth and women with the skills and resources they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
“As leaders, it is our duty to invest in our greatest asset—our people—and through this initiative, we will create a framework for economic sustainability, providing the tools necessary for individuals to succeed and strengthening our community as a whole. Together we seek to build a future that is prosperous and full of possibilities.
Emir of FIKA calls for unity to foster development in Yobe
UN Secretary-General Urges Global Reset as Military Spending Hits Record High
Two others loose life as Anthony Joshua survives car crash in Ogun state
Emir of FIKA calls for unity to foster development in Yobe
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