Stakeholders at the Symposium organized by the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN) on Translational Biotechnology and Emerging Bioeconomy which was held at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria, on Wednesday 8th – Thursday 9th December 2021 stated that biotechnology holds the key to national transformation in Nigeria.
They Director General /CEO, National Biotechnology Development Agency, NABDA, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha who spoke at the event said that state of affairs in the different sectors of the economy has made translational biotechnology inevitable. He said NABDA will continue to deploy research outputs to diverse sectors where it is required so that it will contribute to national GDP,
Also, Dr. Rufus Ebegba, the DG/CEO, National Biosafety Management Agency, reminded participants that science and technology remain the key to economic development and that the scientists have the responsibility of bringing solution to the economic problems. He affirmed that the country can only attract valuable foreign currencies only when more products are produced and therefore charged scientists to take responsibility in producing biotechnology products.
While the then Regional Director, the African Agricultural Technology Foundation, (AATF), Dr. Issoufou Kollo then informed the audience that biotechnology will bring lasting solution to the numerous diseases coming up globally as it is also useful in improving agricultural productivity citing example with Bt Cowpea and other commercialized and pipeline products as a lead way to bio-economy. He urged the leaders to encourage biotechnology research.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor, Precious Cornerstone University, Prof. J.K Oloke explained the possibilities in moving research to the market and cited an example with the production of “Triodo IB” a biotechnology product that serves as immune booster which has been successfully used to manage different compromised body issues. He assures his continual partnership with BSN to showcase evidence of Nigeria’s capacity in bio-economy.
Because application of science; technology and innovation have brought about economic development in other countries, the DG SHESTCO, Prof. P.C Oyenekwe believes the same can be replicated in Nigeria and therefore urged the researchers not to relent in their efforts since research products will bring development in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Country Coordinator OFAB Africa, Dr. Rose Gidado hinted that the event was a right step in the right direction in the pursuit of sustainable economic growth and development and urged researchers to engage in translational biotechnology research and innovation to produce marketable biological products.
The Keynote Speaker, Prof. B.O. Solomon, spoke explicitly on Biotechnology Today, Tomorrow and Beyond maintained that biotechnology uses living systems to produce useful products. Modern biotechnology, he said, offers opportunities to produce more nutritious and better tasting foods, higher crop yields and plants that are naturally protected from disease and insects. It allows for the transfer of only one or a few desirable genes, thereby permitting scientists to develop crops with specific beneficial traits and reducing undesirable traits.
While the Chairman of the event, Prof. V.A. Tenebe noted that the Nation and Continent have been endowed with numerous bio-resources. Speaking further, he posited that with the consistency of research, the country will get better only if the researchers cultivate the attitude of sharing research results.
Awards were presented to both the virtual and physical attendees who in one way or the other have made tremendous impact in biotechnology. This was viewed as a pat on their backs to continue to do more until biotechnology becomes a household word across Nigeria. Among the recipients were NABDA DG, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha and OFAB Nigeria Coordinator, Dr. Rose Maxwell Gidado.