By Grace Ofurum
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NIGERIA NEWSHOUR: Sunday, May 18, 2025 (nigerianewshour.com.ng)
OWERRI – In a renewed push to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector, stakeholders including scientists, farmers, and students are calling on citizens to embrace Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and dismiss common misconceptions surrounding the technology.
The appeal was made during a public sensitization campaign held on Saturday in Owerri, Imo State. The event was a joint effort by the Young Farmers Association of Nigeria, the Global Initiative for Youth Agricultural Productivity (GIYAP), and student bodies from various academic institutions across the region.
Barrister Raymond James, GIYAP’s National Coordinator and Executive Secretary of the Young Farmers Association in Imo, highlighted the campaign’s goal to correct misinformation about GMOs. According to him, these biotechnological innovations are the result of years of rigorous research and are both safe and beneficial to human health.
“GMOs are scientifically backed and have been shown to improve crop yield and combat certain diseases,” James explained. “We must move past the fear and embrace these tools as a means of achieving food security.”
Echoing his remarks, biotechnologist Mr. Uzoho Ifeanyi John encouraged Nigerian farmers to consider GMOs as a viable alternative to conventional farming methods, especially in light of the declining effectiveness of chemical inputs like fertilizers and herbicides.
“Biotechnology presents a smarter, more sustainable approach to agriculture,” he said. “It’s essential that we align with science-driven practices to ensure food sufficiency nationwide.”
Esther Udoamaka John, a biotechnology student and South East President of the OFAB Youth Vanguard, also voiced student support for the federal government’s GMO initiatives. She stressed that young people must be proactive in adopting modern agricultural solutions.
The event concluded with a public awareness walk through major streets in Owerri, aimed at educating residents about the advantages and safety of genetically modified crops.
