By Priscilla Osaje

The Nigerian German Investment and Cultural Expo (NGICE) will showcase investment opportunities and rich cultural heritage to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and business partnership from Germany and the rest of the world.

The Chairman, 2024 NGICE Organising Committee, Dr Mike Okiro, also a former Inspector-General of Police, said this in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

Okiro noted that the upcoming six-day expo was scheduled to hold from Aug. 20 to Aug. 25, in Berlin, Germany.

“Preparations are in top gear to bring the world to Berlin-Germany for Nigeria as ‘Investors Paradise’ as the Nigerian German Investment and Cultural Expo (NGICE) is scheduled to hold from Aug. 20 to Aug. 25, 2024 in Berlin, Germany.

“The theme of the 2024 NGICE is
‘Unlocking Nigeria’s Investment Potentials for Industrial Revolution’ while sub-theme is ‘Cultural Exports: Key Opportunities for Foreign Direct Investment”.

“The expo is designed to showcase the abundant investment opportunities and rich cultural heritage cum potentials in Nigeria to attract foreign direct investment and business partnership from Germany and the rest of the world.

“In fact, NGIGE aims to bring the world to Berlin for Nigeria as ‘Investors Paradise.”

The committee chairman said that the expo would feature presentations, showcasing of investment opportunities, panel discussions, exhibition, investors roundtable, public private partnership roundtable and bankers/financers roundtable.

According to him, it will also feature networking and match-making, cultural display and exchange, Gala Nite-Global Peace Concert and Awards as well as visits to strategic companies and organisations.

“There will be special daily sessions for state governments from Nigeria to make presentations and showcase their investment opportunities.

“Apart from thematic sessions, the expo will have sessions on Policy Imperatives, Legislating for Improved Foreign Direct Investment, Public Private Partnership (PPP), Security Management for FDI, German-Nigerian Economic Cooperation and Development.”

Also, Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in a remark, expressed optimism that the expo would strengthen the existing Bilateral and Economic Relations between Nigeria and Germany.

Akume added that the expo would complement the present administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” geared towards diversifying and rebuilding the nation’s economy.

“The expo will further launder Nigeria’s image and attract foreign direct investment in the areas of power, renewable energy, mining and solid minerals development, marine and blue economy, ICT, automotive and creative Industry,” SGF said.

NGICE is organised by Salute Nigeria Initiative, a Nigerian NGO that promotes peaceful co-existence and the socio-economic upliftment of Nigeria in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Others include Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and German partners. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

=========================

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

By Felicia Imohimi

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Alumni Association (FVMUNNAA), says it is positioned to lead technological revolution in agriculture across the country.

Prof. Lawrence Okonkwo, National President of the association, communicated this at the maiden National Symposium and Annual General Meeting of FVMUNNAA in Abuja.

The theme of the symposium is “Adopting Technological Innovations in Veterinary Practice, Livestock Production and General Agricultural Practices for food security, Economic Growth, Poverty Alleviation, Youth Empowerment and National Security.”

Okonkwo said the association would collaborate with researchers, policymakers and leaders of industries to create scalable agricultural systems that respected the planet’s limits while feeding its inhabitants.

“Our education has equipped us with tools to innovate, challenge the status quo and drive the required change.

“We are committed to promoting the new culture by providing the necessary public education, partnering with government agencies and departments and more specifically encouraging our members and the public.

“The commitment is geared toward investment in technologically driven veterinary practice, livestock production and general agriculture by all and sundry.

“Collaboration of the alumni with researchers and others can help shape a future where technology and agriculture coexist in harmony, ensuring food security, economic growth and environmental sustainability for generations to come.’’

The president said the pathway to economic growth and national security was through farming and scientific innovations.

Okonkwo, however, urged all stakeholders to commit to supporting the agricultural sector with the needed technology in order for the sector to thrive.

“Together we can create a future where everyone has access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food and where our nation stands strong, self-sufficient and secure,’’ he said.

He called on all tiers of government to prioritise innovative and technologically driven agricultural practices by procuring modern agricultural equipment and as well set out effective and efficient modalities for easy access by farmers. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam  and Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

The Centre for Food Safety and Agricultural Research (CEFSAR), an NGO, says there is need for a thorough stakeholders’ engagement on the safety of genetically engineered crops, categorised as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

Dr Segun Adebayo, Director of Operations, CEFSAR, made this advocacy on Thursday in Abuja, at a news conference.

Adebayo said such ‘no holds barred’ engagement would create a balance of knowledge and give people the opportunity to choose what they consumed.

He said that CEFSAR was not representing or marketing any product but concerned about the health of Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Environment, had at a recent forum, said that biotechnology solutions would be guided by scientific evidence, ethical deployment, safe application and freedom of choice.

Adebayo, however, argued that rising cases of childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes, autism and developmental delays among children must be interrogated.

“What are the issues with GMOs? Why must we be very careful with it?

“First, it is unnatural; it is not organic; it has been tampered with genetically.

“If new instructions have been inputted into these GMOs, the first question is who wrote the new instructions and what are the new instructions? Hereditary traits and co are traits that pass through our genes.

“The marketers of GMOs, the seed sellers are the ones that wrote the instructions,” he said.

Adeabyo further said that it was instructive to note that most GMOs seeds were sterile and could not be replanted.

According to him, the sellers of GMOs may give stringent conditions before subsequent release or supply of seeds which will lead to loss of food sovereignty.

“You plant these GMOs into the ground; it has produced corn; they can say that for the first generation, the yield will produce; then by second generation, you have nothing.

“They can say, if you plant this, you are getting nothing; so you must always come back to us to get your seeds; imagine a food system that is dependent on buying seeds from the seed sellers 100 per cent?

“So, the country looks towards the neo-colonialists and buys seeds from them; by so doing, we are setting ourselves up for something we know little about.

“What if the seed seller says there is no seed? What if the seed sellers say there is a law we want you to pass in your country? If you don’t pass that law, we will deny you seeds.’’

Adebayo listed two heavy agro-chemicals contained in GMOs for pests and weed control as glyphosate and atrazine.

According to him, glyphosate is one the world’s leading causes of cancer.

“You apply glyphosate to your farms; the weeds die; the GMOs have been modified so that the chemicals will not kill them; your maize, as vascular plants, will start sucking in glyphosate and you consume the corn and take in heavy agro-chemicals.

“The second dangerous chemical is atrazine, a pesticide. It a major chemical used in feminising males; it stimulates the production of progesterone and estrogen which are female hormones.

“Every cell in the human body grows; this time around it keeps growing and that is how cancer works.’’

The CEFSAR director of operations said there was a nexus between food security and national security.

He said there was need to query what informed to decision and choice of places attacked by bandits and why there were major farming regions and key food belts.

“Solve the problems that stop farmers from going to farm and our food security problem will be over; not through GMOs,’’ he said.

Adeabyo said that anything that affected food affected humanity.

According to him, there is need to educate the farmers, citizens, policy makers, among others who may have taken some decisions out of ignorance.

On his part, Amb. Chris Iyama, Executive Director, Centre for Youth Participation, Dialogue and Advocacy Africa (CYPA), said the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, NAFDAC, National Biosafety Management Agency and lawmakers must have an all-encompassing engagement on GMOs.

He said there was need for a proper public hearing to interrogate the issues.

Iyama said there would be a major rally on the streets of Abuja on May 6, to sensitise Nigerians on the dangers of GMOs. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

=========
Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

By Bukola Adewumi

The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) says the rapid advancement in biotechnology, particularly genetic engineering, has ushered in a new era of possibilities for enhancing agricultural productivity.

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General, NBRDA, spoke at a Ministerial Meeting on Demystifying Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) with civil society organisations on Tuesday in Abuja.

“In improving human health, mitigating environmental challenges and driving socio-economic development, our world is at a critical juncture; where scientific advancements intersect with societal values and concerns.”

Mustapha said it was imperative to engage in open, transparent and inclusive dialogues surrounding biotechnology, particularly GMOs.

He said the subject of GMOs had often been shrouded in misinformation, misunderstanding, fear, controversies and concerns regarding their safety, regulation, ethical implications, and socio-economic impacts.

Mustapha said the meeting served as a platform for informed dialogue, evidence-based discussion and collaborative action to address the multifaceted dimensions of GMOs.

According to him, the required synergy can be achieved by bringing together stakeholders from across government academia, industry, farmer groups, civil society and the public.

“The meeting is  aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the issues at hand, identify common ground and chart a collective path forward that would prioritise the public good, safety and sustainability,” he said.

In her remarks, Dr Rose Gidado, Director Agricultural Biotechnology Department, NBRDA, said food security remained the utmost importance in the country.

“It is a matter of emergency; I think the president has placed emergency on that and we cannot achieve that food security without the use of innovation science and technology,’’ she said.

Gidado said that the bio-modern biotechnology practice had a lot of potential with plenty of promise for food security enhancement.

On his part, Kabir Ibrahim, National President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) said GMOs crops were safe and had the capability to take farmers out of poverty.

He said there was the need to look inward to upscale food production with the use of science and technology in order to feed the growing population.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Rukayat Moisemhe

A philanthropist and President of Oasis of Breakthrough International Church Inc., Apostle Israel Oyelade, has called on the Federal Government to do more to support the agricultural sector.

Oyelade made the call on Saturday at Ifo, Ogun, during distribution of food items to 300 beneficiaries in the community.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the annual event provides relief items to the poor and widowed in Ifo Community and environs.

The cleric said that Nigeria needed to meet its agricultural needs and address hunger.

He said that adequate support for the agricultural sector would ensure food sufficiency.

He said that the country was capable of having enough food for local consumption and export.

“There has to be an enabling environment for farming to thrive,” he said.

Oyelade, however, said that tackling hunger could not be done by government alone; hence, the food distribution initiative of the church.

He said that the distributed foodstuffs included rice, beans, cassava flakes (garri) and noodles.

He added that payment of school fees and rents were part of the palliatives which had gulped billions of Naira since 2010.

“We started in 2010 when I clocked 40, and we started with widows by giving them foodstuffs and clothing annually.

“The issue of hunger can never be tackled by only government alone. This is why we must pray that God helps us to overcome poverty,” he said.

He advised Nigerian youths not to depend on government alone, but seek ways to be self-reliant.

Oyelade said that the country was blessed with natural resources, including vast lands, urging the citizens to responsibly use the endowments to overcome poverty. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

========
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

By Felicia Imohimi

The Federal Government says it is committed to ensuring policies and programmes geared towards inclusiveness and equity in the practice of veterinary profession in the country.

Sen. Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security stated this at the commemoration of the World Veterinary Day on Saturday in Abuja.

The event, organised by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), FCT Chapter, has the theme: ‘Veterinarians are essential health workers’.

Abdullahi said government would ensure effective coordination of veterinary practice to enable the professionals take their pride of place as essential health workers.

The minister acknowledged that veterinarians were essential in protecting public health, ensuring the safety of food supply chain and preventing the transmission of zoonotic diseases to humans, thereby reducing the risk of disease outbreak.

He added that they help in addressing the impact of animal husbandry on the environment, spread of diseases from wildlife to domestic animals and environment as well as the conservation of endangered species.

The minister said as pace setters in public health, veterinarians deserve the attention of both the government and private sectors to enhance effective service delivery.

According to him, the theme underscores the need for continued support and recognition of the profession and its contributions to the society.

Abdullahi added that the theme aligned with the one-health approach involving human, animal and environmental health in addressing global health security.

“The celebration is significant for recognising and celebrating the contributions of veterinarians to animal health, welfare and public health.

“Raising awareness about the importance of veterinary profession and the role of veterinarians in the society, it underscores the need for collaboration between different sectors to address global health challenges,” he added.

Dr Chinna Joe-Iruobe, Chairperson, NVMA, FCT Chapter, identified veterinarians as frontline defenders against zoonotic diseases that could be transmitted from animals to humans.

Joe-Iruobe, however, said in spite of the invaluable role of veterinarians as essential health workers, they are often overlooked in the country.

“Veterinarians by addressing diseases in wildlife populations, help to maintain ecological balance and biodiversity, but their role is neglected in our country,” she said.

According to her, veterinarians are indispensable members of the healthcare community, working tirelessly to protect both human and animal populations.

“Recognising them as essential health workers is not only a matter of acknowledging their contributions but also ensuring a healthier, safer future for all”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed