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Rivers: Coalition Protests Against Genetically Modified Crops
A coalition of non-governmental organisations, yesterday, embarked on a peaceful protest in Port Harcourt, urging the government to ban genetically modified crops in Nigeria by repealing the National Biosafety Management Agency Act.
The coalition led by the GMO-Free Nigeria Alliance and Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) averred that the efforts of the federal and state governments in the promotion of agriculture in the country were far from the reality, adding that research has shown that GMOs do not give higher yields and are not more nutritious than normal crops.
The protesters, numbering about 100, including, farmers, youths, women, scientists, medical practitioners, lawyers, civil society organisations and other Nigerians, maintained that food and agricultural systems were being threatened by the unrestrained release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the country.
In a letter addressed to the Rivers State Ministry of Environment and signed by HOME Director, Rev Nnimmo Bassey, the coalition stated “that Nigerians are consuming foods bought from the market shelves without any idea that they are made from the genetically modified organisms (GMOs).”
The letter further called for the nullification of the permits issued for the importation and release of genetically modified maize, beans, and cotton into the country.
“We are concerned about aspects that would scuttle these efforts and push our people into acute food insecurity in the long term. These concerns are highlighted in the report on the State of Biosafety in Nigeria which was launched by HOMEF on April 13, 2021. One of such concerns is that several permits have been granted for introduction of GMOs into the country by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).
“These approvals have been granted without consideration for the concerns raised by stakeholders. Also, a market survey on GMOs carried out between 2018 and 2020 have revealed the presence of over 30 different products that are labelled as containing genetically modified ingredients even though the agency continuously says that there are no GMOs in the Nigerian market.
“We demand a ban on GMOs and a repeal of the National Biosafety Management Agency Act, which came into force in 2015, and was reviewed in 2019 to include emerging and even more contentious aspects of extremely risky modern biotechnology.”
“GMOs are products of genetic engineering, which is a technology that allows scientists to create plants, animals and micro-organisms by manipulating genes at the cellular level in a way that is not possible via traditional or natural processes. It allows DNA from one type of organism to be introduced into another related or unrelated species.
“Nigeria does not need GMOs. They are promoted on false premises. Research has shown that GMOs do not give higher yields and are not more nutritious than normal crops. They do not use less herbicides and pesticides. With the many problems we are contending with as a nation, GMOs should not be allowed to compound our situation. We must not accept a technology simply because it is available. We must, as a people, determine what is good for us.
“We should address the root causes of the challenges of food production, including those of pest and disease. We should invest in an agricultural system such as Agroecology which promotes soil health and biodiversity and ensures collaborative research and innovations with farmers with increased/sustained production of healthy and nutritious food.
“Farmers should be provided with needed infrastructure, extension service, access to land and credit schemes and good road-market networks”.
Also speaking during the protest, Kentabe Ebirador, a representative of Environmental Rights Action and Coordinator, OilWatch African, stressed that the banning of the GMOs will enhance increase in local farming system.
He said, “The protest is looking at calling on the government for the urgent ban on genetically modified foods in our system, in our stable firms, and also the banning of the GMOs increases the chances of our local farmers to be able to use organic means of farming to feed the country.
“The Nigerian government is gradually relying on GMOs as an alternative for increasing the food system but we are saying that Nigeria can feed ourselves and we don’t need any GMO.
“Looking at it from the other angle, if you look at the clean-up going on in Ogoniland, the possibility of livelihood looked at and the fact that there will be rumours, stories that will come up to say that since the land is being worked on, there is every tendency, every possibility that improved seedlings will be introduced as regards to what will work with the soil to increase yield but that is a lie”.
However, the group has pledged readiness to work with the government to ensure that our people, the environment and the future of the Nigerian food is protected and preserved against the threats posed by the vested interest of biotechnology companies and their cronies.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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