NEWS
Experts Push For GMO Ban As FG Reassures Nigerians’ Safety
A coalition of over 200 organizations and individuals, under the GMO-Free Nigeria Alliance, has called on the National Assembly to implement a complete ban on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the country.
The alliance, comprising farmers, civil society groups, scientists, legal practitioners, and medical experts, raised alarms over the impact of GMOs on Nigeria’s food systems, public health, and environment.
During a public hearing by the House Committee on Agricultural Production, the group alleged that foreign forces promoting GMOs were also fueling insecurity in Nigeria.
Concerns Over Food Sovereignty and Public Health
Presenting a memorandum to the committee, Mr. Johnson Ekpere, a consultant to the alliance, urged the government to halt GMO distribution and adopt policies against their use.
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“We recommend a national moratorium on GMO distribution and circulation until conclusive evidence emerges on their effects. The idea that Nigerians can be subjected to harmful practices without accountability fuels institutional arrogance,” Ekpere stated.
He warned that Nigeria’s reliance on GMOs as a solution to agricultural challenges posed significant risks to food sovereignty, biodiversity, and public health.
Instead, he advocated for sustainable farming methods such as organic and regenerative agriculture.
The memorandum also cited the lack of proven productivity gains from GMOs in Nigeria. According to the National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN), GM cotton seeds introduced in 2020 failed to deliver significant yield improvements.
Farmers reported declining productivity in subsequent planting seasons, forcing them to purchase new seeds annually.
The alliance raised concerns about the nutritional changes in GM crops, claiming they could lead to reduced beneficial compounds and increased allergenic substances.
They also noted that Burkina Faso phased out GM cotton in 2016 due to poor quality, yet the same product was approved for use in Nigeria.
Another issue highlighted was the absence of GMO labeling in Nigeria, leaving consumers unaware of whether their food contains genetically modified ingredients. The group warned that unregulated imports of GMO-based processed foods posed additional health risks.
Allegations of External Manipulation
At the hearing, Mr. Qrisstuberg Amua, Executive Director of the Center for Food Safety and Agricultural Research, alleged that foreign interests were behind efforts to destabilize Nigeria’s food systems to promote GMOs.
“International forces are creating hunger scenarios to advertise genetically modified poisons. These are biological weapons aimed at compromising our food systems and health,” Amua asserted.
The professor of bioinorganic chemistry also linked GMOs to declining fertility rates, suggesting they may have unforeseen long-term consequences on human health.
Responding to the concerns, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, reassured Nigerians that the government would not support any initiative harmful to its citizens.
“The government would never intentionally introduce harmful substances to the people. This forum aims to bring together experts to explore balanced solutions for food security,” Kyari said.
He emphasized the role of regulatory bodies, seed councils, and research institutions in ensuring the safety of agricultural inputs and called for collaboration to address concerns around GMOs.
Brazilian star forward and Real Madrid sensation, Vinicius Junior, has proudly embraced his Cameroonian heritage after a DNA test revealed ancestral ties to the Tikar ethnic group.
The test, organised by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), confirmed Vinicius’s deep-rooted connection to the Central African nation, known for its rich cultural and football traditions.
Ahead of Brazil’s highly anticipated match against Uruguay, a special ceremony was held to honor this discovery, with Vinicius presented with a certificate recognizing his Cameroonian ancestry.
The gesture resonated deeply with fans and the football community.
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“This is a moment of immense pride, not just for me but for my family and everyone who shares this heritage,” Vinicius said. “It’s incredible to see how football connects us across continents and histories.”
Cameroon, renowned for producing legendary players like Samuel Eto’o and Roger Milla, has long been celebrated as a football powerhouse.
Analysts have lauded this event as a reminder of Africa’s enduring influence on the global game.
Fans across Brazil and Cameroon have joined in the celebrations, with social media buzzing with messages of unity and pride. “This recognition shows how football is a universal language that celebrates our shared humanity,” said one commentator.
As Brazil faces Uruguay, Vinicius Jr. steps onto the pitch carrying not just the hopes of a nation but also the pride of his newfound Cameroonian lineage.
In a bold move aimed at combating decades of depopulation, the village of Ollolai on the Italian island of Sardinia is offering homes for as little as one euro ($1.05) to Americans seeking a fresh start following the re-election of Donald Trump.
The village, which has seen its population drop from 2,250 to just 1,150 over the past century, is now focusing its efforts on attracting American expats.
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Mayor Francesco Columbu confirmed the launch of a new website designed to target U.S. citizens.
The site invites those looking for an escape from “global politics” to embrace the tranquil lifestyle of Sardinia, offering a range of housing options for prospective buyers.
“Are you worn out by global politics? Looking to embrace a more balanced lifestyle while securing new opportunities? It’s time to start building your European escape in the stunning paradise of Sardinia,” the site states.
Columbu explained that the village is prioritizing American applicants, even promising a fast-track process to help them settle in.
“We just really want, and will focus on, Americans above all,” he said, emphasizing that U.S. citizens are seen as crucial to reversing the village’s population decline.
Ollolai’s housing offer includes three tiers: free temporary housing for certain digital nomads, one-euro homes that require renovation, and move-in-ready homes priced up to €100,000 (approximately $105,000).
To support new residents, the village has set up a dedicated team to guide buyers through the process, offering private property tours and assistance with contractors and paperwork.
The initiative comes as the village grapples with a low birthrate, recording only a few births each year. The hope is that attracting new residents, particularly from the U.S., will help rejuvenate the local economy and community life.
“We really want, and will focus on, Americans above all,” Mayor Columbu reiterated. “They are key to reversing the depopulation trend we’ve been struggling with.”
The preference for Americans has raised eyebrows, with some speculating that the village is looking to attract those disillusioned with the political climate in the U.S.
While Columbu refrained from mentioning President Trump by name, he acknowledged the motivation behind the initiative.
“We can’t specifically mention the name of one U.S. president who just got elected, but we all know that he’s the one from whom many Americans want to get away from now,” he said.
The village’s website has already received over 38,000 inquiries, the majority of them from the United States.
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has penned a hearty birthday shout out to Nigeria’s former president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who turned 67 on Wednesday.
He took to his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Wednesday morning to celebrate his illustrious kinsman and described him as “a worthy leader and a consummate democrat”.
Diri asserted that Jonathan’s “patriotism and forthright leadership that remains a model and reference point for our country and the continent”.
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Diri wrote, “Happy 67th Birthday to a worthy leader and a consummate democrat, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR.
“On behalf of the Government, the people of Bayelsa State and the ljaw Nation at large, I rejoice with our father, Dr. Jonathan on this special day.
“We celebrate your patriotism and forthright leadership that remains a model and reference point for our country and the continent.
“Today, we pray, as always, that the torch you lit will continually glow as our democracy thrives.
“May God continue to fill you with wisdom and also keep you in sound health.
“Happy Birthday Your Excellency sir!”
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