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Nigeria to Upgrade Biosafety Management Agency to Keep Nation’s Biosafety Processes Top in Africa
Nigeria to Upgrade Biosafety Management Agency to Keep Nation’s Biosafety Processes Top in Africa
By: Michael Mike
The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr. Agnes Asagbra has said that the agency is ready to upgrade its technology in order to continue to be top biosafety and biotechnology regulatory body on the continent.
Asagbra, who address a press conference on Tuesday on achievements of the agency in recent time, said: “Nigeria’s biosafety processes are on par with, if not ahead of, those in other African countries like Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa. Our agency has received international recognition for its robust regulatory framework, which serves as a model for biosafety and biotechnology regulation across the continent.
“These countries also have robust biosafety regulations but our Biosafety system still ranks high because of the top notch international standard that is applied. For instance, Kenya has been at the forefront of GMO research and commercialization in Africa, with its National Biosafety Authority approving the environmental release of Bt cotton. Similarly, South Africa has been growing GMO crops since 1997 and has a well-established regulatory system.”
She said: “We are top here in Africa but not ready to rest on our oars. We want to upgrade on our technology in order to be on top of our trade.”
She explained that: “The Biosafety Law in Nigeria is more than just legislation; it’s a commitment to the nation’s sustainable future. It ensures that as Nigeria harnesses the benefits of modern biotechnology, it does so responsibly, with the utmost regard for the health of its people and the environment.”
Asagbra appealed that: “Let us embrace the advancements in safe modern biotechnology with an informed perspective. Let us trust in the rigorous processes that have been established to protect us all. Together, we can move towards a future where food security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth go hand in hand.”
She noted that the establishment of the NBMA has led to the development of biosafety frameworks of international standards, including a GMO detection and analysis laboratory, national biosafety policies, and regulatory instruments, insisting that: “These measures have positioned Nigeria as a leader in biosafety regulation in Africa, influencing other countries’ biosafety practices.”
Nigeria to Upgrade Biosafety Management Agency to Keep Nation’s Biosafety Processes Top in Africa
Massive Crowd in Maiduguri as Pastor Paul Enenche Leads Revival Crusade
By: Zagazola Makama
A mammoth crowd of Christian worshippers gathered in Maiduguri for a revival crusade led by renowned Nigerian pastor, Dr. Paul Enenche, General Overseer of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Abuja.
The crusade, titled “Ignited: A Fire of Revival in Borno State,” saw thousands of Christians from across the North East convene for a night of prayers, worship, and spiritual upliftment in the heart of a city once at the center of insurgency.
Symbol of Peaceful Coexistence
The event, held without incident, served as a indication to the improving security situation in Borno and the resilience of the Christian community in the region. Worshippers sang, prayed, and listened to sermons focused on hope, unity, and faith despite past security challenges.
The gathering also comes amid recent clarifications by the Federal Government refuting allegations that Christians are being deliberately targeted in Nigeria especially in the North East.
Government officials have dismissed such claims as misleading narratives aimed at influencing foreign governments, particularly the United States, to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
Faith Over Fear
Many attendees described the crusade as a historic moment for Christians in the North East, emphasizing their right to practice their faith freely.
“This is a sign that peace is returning to Borno. The presence of this large number of Christians, worshipping at night in Maiduguri without fear, is a powerful message,” said Deborah Musa, a worshipper from Yobe State.
Another attendee, Pastor James Buba, praised the Dunamis International Gospel Centre for organizing the crusade, saying it has rekindled hope among believers in the region.
Despite past insurgency threats, Borno State has witnessed religious tolerance and restoration of peace, allowing such large-scale religious gatherings to take place safely.
The Federal Government has repeatedly maintained that Nigeria upholds religious freedom and that violence affecting communities is largely due to criminal activities and terrorism, rather than state-sponsored persecution. Officials have urged both local and international observers to avoid narratives that exaggerate religious divisions in the country.
As the revival ended, worshippers left the venue with renewed faith and optimism, seeing the event as a milestone in Borno’s path to peace and religious harmony.
Massive Crowd in Maiduguri as Pastor Paul Enenche Leads Revival Crusade
Three Arrested for Farm Destruction in Borno, Livestock Seized
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Borno State have arrested three herders for allegedly allowing their livestock to destroy farmlands in Ajiri Town, Mafa Local Government Area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects, identified as Muhammadan Usman (27), Abba Muhammad (16), and Adamu Bangi (12), were apprehended on March 13, 2025, around 8:00 a.m. during a routine patrol by a combined security team.
It was gathered that the herders’ cattle invaded and damaged sections of the Firgi Guinea Corn Farm. Security operatives swiftly intervened and recovered 46 cows and 30 goats.
Police have taken the suspects and livestock into custody, and the Farmers-Herders Conflict Resolution Committee has been contacted.
Investigations are ongoing.
Three Arrested for Farm Destruction in Borno, Livestock Seized
Troops Raid ISWAP Enclave in Dalari, Neutralize Four Insurgents, recover weapons, bombs
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army troops of 21 armored Brigade, Operation Hadin Kai have successfully raided an Islamic State of the West African Province(ISWAP) enclave in Dalari, Borno State, neutralizing four insurgents and recovering arms and ammunition.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama, that the troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force as well as the Hybrid forces conducted the Operation in the early hours of March 15, 2025.
The troops under Operation Desert Sanity 4, engaged the insurgents in a firefight at approximately 7:10 a.m., resulting in the elimination of four terrorists, while several others escaped with injuries.
During the clearance operation, the troops recovered: One RPG tube, one AK-47 rifle, one Dane gun, two RPG bomb chargers, three RPG bombs and 504 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
No casualties were recorded from the side of the troops.
Troops Raid ISWAP Enclave in Dalari, Neutralize Four Insurgents, recover weapons, bombs
Massive Crowd in Maiduguri as Pastor Paul Enenche Leads Revival Crusade
Three Arrested for Farm Destruction in Borno, Livestock Seized
Troops Raid ISWAP Enclave in Dalari, Neutralize Four Insurgents, recover weapons, bombs
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