National Biotechnology Research And Development Agency (NBRDA)

Muhyideen Jimoh
May, Tue, 2025

FG authorised Mustapha’s re-appointment as D-G—– NBRDA

599 total views today

By Sylvester Thompson

The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA, says the reappointment of it’s Director General (DG) Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha for a second tenure was duly authorised by President Bola Tinubu.

This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, by Mrs Toyin Omozuwa, Press Secretary to the NBRDA boss.

Omozuwa said that the attention of the NBRDA was drawn to a news article published in one of the national dailies online edition raising concerns and casting doubt on the legitimacy of the renewal of appointment of the director general.

“We find it necessary to correct the misleading narrative and reaffirm the objective and verifiable facts and legality of Prof. Mustapha’s renewed appointment.

“Contrary to insinuations in the report, the renewal of the appointment of Prof. Mustapha was duly authorised by President Bola Tinubu, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 10(1) and (3) of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (Establishment) Act, 2022.

“This presidential approval was conveyed through a formal letter signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, dated Nov. 6, 2024 with reference number SGF.51/S.4/T./84,” she said.

According to Omozuwa, it is critical to emphasise that the SGF acted as an authorised channel in communicating the decision of the President.

She noted that spurious assertions by third parties or interest groups, such as the Independent Public Service Accountability Watch (IPSAW), and the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions(ASURI), do not override the legal powers vested in the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the law.

She added that the claim that the renewal of appointment violated extant regulations was inaccurate and unfounded.

She disclosed that Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, Secretary General of ASURI applauded the reappointment in a congratulatory letter with reference number ASN/NBRDA/CM/1124/o1, on Nov. 18, 2024.

”Your reappointment is a bold testament to your superlative performance during your first tenure, which brought stability to NBRDA and showcased your exemplary administrative acumen and visionary leadership.”

”By emerging as a top choice after a rigorous and competitive search process during your initial appointment, you set a precedent of excellence, which you have consistently upheld.

“We particularly commend your mentoring role to the growing cadre of young and budding researchers at NBRDA, fostering a culture of innovation, dedication and professional growth,” she quoted Ndubuaku as saying in his congratulatory letter.

Omozuwa said she therefore wondered why, after the congratulatory letter, the ASURI scribe would contradict himself by now questioning the legitimacy of that same reappointment.

According to her, if, as he affirmed, the first tenure was marked by excellence and institutional stability, it is difficult to reconcile such high commendation with a sudden appeal for a change in leadership, especially when such a shift risk disrupting the very stability he once applauded.

“One must ask is this about national interest or something else entirely.”

She emphasised that the director general’s reappointment for a final five-year term, effective Oct. 31, 2024, was grounded in legal conformity, merit, and continued institutional progress.

She noted that under Mustapha’s leadership, NBRDA had made notable strides in enhancing indigenous pharmaceutical production and advancing research capacity.

“We urge the media to exercise due diligence in verifying facts and avoid disseminating speculative or misleading information that could undermine public trust in government processes,” she added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

FCT farmers upbeat on GM crops, seek FG’s support

Muhyideen Jimoh
Mar, Wed, 2025

Agriculture , Science & Tech

FCT farmers upbeat on GM crops, seek FG’s support

583 total views today

By Sylvester Thompson

Farmers in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory say they are confident that Genetically Modified (GM) crops can boost their farm yields.

The farmers, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the Farmers Field Day on Wednesday in Kuje, Abuja, called for government’s support in the provision of farm inputs.

The event was organised by National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF).

Mr Cyprian Ede, who owns three hectares of Tela maize farm, rejected claims that no other crop could be planted or grown where a GM crop was planted.

NAN reports that Tela maize(GM maize) are hybrids genetically engineered to contain Bt genes that protects the maize against insects like stem borer and the fall armyworm and helps the crop tolerate moderate drought.

“At least, I did post emergency weed management which means grass can grow, as you can see.

“I will not waste my money trying to manage grass inside this maize farm; these were grasses on the farm which were cleared.

“As the effect of the post emergency herbicide subsided, grasses started growing on my farm again.’’

Ede, who said he turned to farming due to economic downturn, said he had been in farming since 2017.

He also spoke on the yield of the Tela maize.

“In 10 plots which is a hectare of land, if I should factor in the theft, I think it is about 42 bags,’’ Ede said.

Ede said in comparison with other varieties that yielded relatively good after treating fall armyworm, there was no insect threat in the Tela variety which was also drought tolerant.

He called on the Federal Government to support farmers with farm inputs by subsidising the seeds to enable them to get better yields to bolster the economy.

Mrs Judith Okpanachi, a beans farmer, told NAN that in her three years of planting Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea, there was no case of other crops unable to grow on the same soil.

Mr Ndaman Dantani from Chibiri Community, said that before he started his two hectares PBR cowpea farm four years ago, he was afraid as a result of the negative claims.

“But when we began using the variety for some years, we realised that there were great advantages over the other ones.

Dantani said one of the advantages was that he was not spending much money on chemicals, unlike conventional bean seeds he sprayed seven to eight times.

“With the PBR variety, you spray less, like two or three times which is more economical.

“Also, during harvest, if you do not harvest on time, it will be falling down and you will lose your farm; but this one, it will wrap and still stand erect.

“And again, the most advantageous part of it is that if you harvest, the leaves will still remain green,’’ Dantani said.

Dantani said PBR farming provided the resources to take care of his family responsibilities such as payment of school fees, feeding, among others.

He urged government to expand the initiative of GM crops to other communities.

“Government should also send more extension agents with this type of seed variety and they should make the seeds available for the reach of the common man.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo