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Stakeholders Insist GMOs Deprive the Right to Safe Food
Stakeholders Insist GMOs Deprive the Right to Safe Food
By: Michael Mike
Public Health experts and food sovereignty activists have called on the Nigerian Government to halt the introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) into the Nigerian food system, insisting that their use deprive Nigerians the right to “safe food for better life and better future.”
This call was made during an online event organised by Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) on Wednesday to mark the celebration of the World Food Day 2024. The event highlighted the implications of modern agricultural biotechnology on the rights of consumers, farmers and of our environment as well as other implications on our food system.
While moderating the event, Joyce Brown, Public Health Expert and HOMEF’s Director of Programme noted that the theme of the World Food Day: “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future” is so apt and urged the Federal Government to critically review its decisions regarding the use of GMOs in our food system through the human rights lens.
Brown noted that majority of the Nigerian population rejects GMOs due to their economic, environment and health implications; and the government’s continued approval of permits for these products outrightly tramps on the rights of the people.
Speaking further on the issue of rights, the Deputy Director at Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, Barr. Mariann Bassey-Orovwuje, noted that “our socio-economic system doesn’t support the right of consumers to choose as labeling is not effective and consumers can’t tell which products are genetically modified or not by their physical characteristics. Our markets are not designed in ways to differentiate between organic foods and GMOs.”
“Another key rights issue is the fact that farmers have to depend on the biotechnology seed companies season after season for seeds as productivity of GM seeds reduce after the first generation. This undermines the culture of seed saving and sharing among local farmers.” Orovwuje added.
On the right to information, Dr Segun Adebayo, Deputy Director of the Centre for Food Safety and Agricultural Research, highlighted that the processes of GMOs approval in Nigeria is flawed. He added: “It is not sufficient to announce notification of applications on the website of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) – which many people do not know exists, in their office or in two national dailies. There is no risk assessment report/documents on the NBMA website indicating that proper due diligence is done before these products are released into the environment” The composition of the board of the board of the NBMA – with the presence of key promoters of GMOs including the National Biotechnology Development and Research Agency – and other flaws in the biosafety regulatory system in Nigeria necessitate an urgent review of the NBMA Act.
Dr. Ifeanyi Casmir, a Molecular Biologist also speaking at the event noted that GMOs directly disrupt the rights of peoples to a safe environment which we depend on for food. “Studies have revealed that GMOs designed to pest resistance, increase the dependence on synthetic pesticides which destroy non-target organisms including pollinators and soil living organisms, leading to loss of biodiversity and soil degradation. This has severe implications on food productivity, he added”
Casmir also noted: “the Cry Proteins/toxins produced by the GM crops designed to be pesticides including the TELA Maize, Bt Cowpea and Cotton, disturb rhizospheric and soil eubacterial communities. Furthermore, Bt crops are produced using antibiotic markers which are implicated in increasing cases of antibiotics resistance.”
Speaking on the sustainable, just and healthy alternatives for our food system, Lovelyn Ejim, a farmer and women farmer group leader urged the Nigerian Government to focus on Agroecology which uses ecosystem principles in the management of agriculture systems thereby assuring optimum and sustain-able food productivity while addressing social and economic barriers in food production. She stressed on the need to support the set up of markets for organic products and to focus on achieving food sovereignty through increasing support for smallholder farmers.
Stakeholders Insist GMOs Deprive the Right to Safe Food
Special Forces Troops Intercept Terrorists Planting IEDs in Zamfara
By Zagazola Makama
Special Forces Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have intercepted terrorists attempting to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along a strategic route in Gando Forest, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops, operating under Operation TSAFTA DAJI III Phase 3, launched an ambush when they encountered a group of terrorists laying IEDs.
On sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists fled into the forest under the cover of darkness, abandoning their explosives and equipment.
Recovered items include: One motorcycle, Three 25-litre jerrycans filled with IED components, 300 meters of sapper cable, one DET 33 electric detonator and one hoe used for planting explosives.
The Nigerian military has continued to maintain an aggressive posture against terrorists and criminal elements in Zamfara State, with Operation FANSAN YANMA and Operation TSAFTA DAJI III targeting bandit strongholds across Anka, Bagega, and Bukkuyum axis.
Special Forces Troops Intercept Terrorists Planting IEDs in Zamfara
Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Dogo Wise Killed in Zamfara Rival Clash
By Zagazola Makama
A violent clash between rival bandit factions has resulted in the killing of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Dogo Wise in Zamfara State, sources familiar with the incident have confirmed to Zagazola Makama.
According to the source Dogo Wise was killed by another bandit commander, Kachalla Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka, following a dispute over ransom money. The deadly confrontation occurred at Dutsin Daru, Maradun Local Government Area.
Security sources revealed that the conflict erupted after Kachalla Dogo Wise allegedly seized ransom money that was meant for Kachalla Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka. The money was reportedly delivered by families of kidnapped victims, but Wise took full possession of it, refusing to share it with Kanin Na Eka.
Feeling betrayed, Kachalla Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka ambushed and killed Dogo Wise in retaliation, a move that has heightened tensions within the criminal underworld in Zamfara State.
“These bandits have no loyalty among themselves. When money is involved, they turn against each other. Dogo Wise made the mistake of crossing Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka, and it cost him his life.” sad the sources.
Meanwhile, following Dogo Wise’s killing, another powerful bandit leader, Kachalla Jimmu Sumoli, has vowed to avenge his death.
Jimmu Sumoli, a feared commander operating in Zamfara and parts of Sokoto State, reportedly declared that he would retaliate against Sa’idu Kanin Na Eka and his followers.
Source in Maradun LGA confirmed that Sumoli’s men have already begun mobilizing for a possible counterattack,
Implications for Security in Zamfara
The killing of Kachalla Dogo Wise adds to the growing infighting among bandit factions in the North-West, a trend that could weaken their operational strength but also trigger more brutal retaliatory attacks.
“While their internal conflicts reduce their cohesion, it also makes them more unpredictable and dangerous. We are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further violence spilling into communities.” said a military sources.
Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Dogo Wise Killed in Zamfara Rival Clash
News
Chinese Chamber of Commerce Denies Shooting of Immigration Officer was Ordered by Chinese National
Chinese Chamber of Commerce Denies Shooting of Immigration Officer was Ordered by Chinese National
By: Michael Mike
The Chinese business community in the country has denied the allegation that the shooting of the immigration officer at a Chinese firm was at the instruction of a Chinese national.
The Director General China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Dr. Cui Guangzhen in a statement said the said shooting could never have been ordered by a Chinese.
The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to the reports that Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior condemned the shooting of an immigration officer allegedly on the orders of a Chinese company operating in Nigeria in a briefing on March 27.
“The China General Chamber of Commerce attaches great importance to the reports and carried out an immediate investigation.
Based upon the findings of police authority in Niger State, the incident mentioned by the Minister of Interior happened on the 21st of February, 2025 in Minna, Niger State.
“During a police action, the state police force was trying to effect an arrest of some local citizen who was suspected of stealing iron rods from a Chinese company. When encountering stiff resistance of the suspect, one of the police officers fired a shot and the bullet accidentally hit a passerby who was later identified to be an immigration officer.
“China General Chamber of Commerce would like to clearly state the following:
Neither Chinese citizens nor Chinese companies were involved in the incident. The allegation that a Chinese company employee ordered the shooting of a Nigerian immigration officer is utterly false.
The Chinese companies in Nigeria abide by the laws and regulations of Nigeria and are committed to the economic and social development of Nigeria.
@The China General Chamber of Commerce is saddened by the incident and sincerely wishes the injured a quick recovery.”
Chinese Chamber of Commerce Denies Shooting of Immigration Officer was Ordered by Chinese National
Special Forces Troops Intercept Terrorists Planting IEDs in Zamfara
Notorious Bandit Leader Kachalla Dogo Wise Killed in Zamfara Rival Clash
Chinese Chamber of Commerce Denies Shooting of Immigration Officer was Ordered by Chinese National
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