Media key in biotechnology awareness, says NABDA DG

The Director General of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Professor Mustapha Abdullahi, has said that media has a key role to play in promoting awareness and the adoption of agriculture biotechnologies.

Professor Abdullahi said the role of the media can improve Nigeria’s chance of achieving food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and economies of the country.

Abdullahi who made this known in Abuja at the Africa Biennial Biosciences  Communication Symposium (ABBC), said journalists are the eyes and ears of the public that should promote development made towards the growth of agriculture. 

The NABDA DG said creation of awareness on the need to adopt agricultural biotechnology is necessary due to opposition from those who are not fully informed about it. 

He noted that the media’s ability to translate complex scientific language to simpler, understandable language for policymakers and the general public will help foster public interest on science, technology and innovation issues in Nigeria.

According to him, a lot of people oppose improved technology ignorantly and we want the journalists to know more and educate the public about it. 

“Agricultural biotechnology has nothing to do with cancer or destroying the environment, it is safe for everyone. 

“Agricultural biotechnology helps nations attain self-sufficiency in food production and subsequently achieve food security, which is critical for achieving sustainable development, the media could be said to be the perfect bridge between modern biotechnology and the people, particularly farmers.”

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