Through consistent engagement with policymakers, farmers, civil society, and the media, the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), Nigeria chapter, has said it is promoting evidence-based understanding of agricultural biotechnology.
Dr. Rose M. Gidado, Director of the Agricultural Biotechnology Department at the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) and Project Lead of OFAB Nigeria, stated this in her goodwill message at the 37th Annual International Conference of Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN).
Dr. Gidado described the conference as a vital platform for advancing biotechnology solutions in food security, health, and environmental sustainability.
She commended BSN and the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, for successfully hosting the Annual International Conference.
Dr. Gidado said that OFAB, established in 2006 by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and launched in Nigeria in 2009, has been instrumental in dispelling misconceptions around genetically modified organisms (GMOs). “Through consistent engagement with policymakers, farmers, civil society, and the media, OFAB has promoted evidence-based understanding of agricultural biotechnology,” she emphasized.
According to her, one of OFAB’s major achievements in Nigeria was the successful facilitation of the Biosafety Bill, which later received presidential assent. “This milestone has paved the way for safer adoption of biotechnology innovations in the country,” she added.
Commending the theme of the conference, “Innovative Biotechnology for National Growth: Pathways to Food Security, Health and Environmental Sustainability,” Dr. Gidado emphasized that OFAB shares the same vision of promoting sustainable agricultural development across Africa.
She, however, called for collaboration among researchers, experts, and policymakers, in shaping Nigeria’s future in biotechnology.
