Shettima seeks biotechnology to drive economic growth

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on biotechnology experts to leverage the innovative potential of biotechnology to drive economic growth.

Shettima made this appeal while inaugurating the five-day International Conference on Biotechnology, ICoB24, organized by the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, on Monday in Abuja.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the conference is themed "Biotechnology as an Engine for Economic Growth."

Represented by his special adviser on general duties, Aliyu Umar, Shettima expressed confidence that with dedication, biotechnology could significantly boost Nigeria's economic development.

The vice president praised the accomplishments of Nigerian biotechnology experts and emphasized the need for commitment, perseverance, and sacrifice.

He assured that these virtues would help the country achieve its goals.

Shettima also highlighted the importance of nurturing and encouraging young Nigerians to become professionals, following the example set by the previous generation of leaders.

Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, expressed strong belief that food insecurity would become a thing of the past in Nigeria through the application of biotechnology for improved crop yields.

Represented by Olayiwola Agoro, Deputy Director of the Strategy Implementation Task Office for Presidential Executive Order No. 5, Nnaji stated that with emerging supportive systems, Nigeria would soon experience significant economic growth.

“We have patriotic and innovative biotechnologists, who can ensure that more goods and services are produced and made available in our economy, contributing to the economic diversification agenda of President Bola Tinubu administration,” he said.

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, director general of the NBRDA and convener, said that biotechnology in its various forms, revolutionised industries across the globe, offering innovative solutions to some of the pressing challenges facing humanity.

“From agriculture to healthcare, environmental management to industrial processes, biotechnology holds the key to unlocking sustainable development and economic prosperity.

“Nigeria, with its rich biodiversity, dynamic population, and growing technological capabilities, is uniquely positioned to leverage biotechnology for transformative growth,” Mr Mustapha said.

The NBRDA director-general urged that the power of biotechnology should be harnessed for the benefit of the country.

A former governor of Cross River State, Clement Ebri, said that current budgetary provisions were not sufficient to support transforming scientific advances into societal benefits compared to industrialised nations.

Ebri, who was one of the keynote speakers, called for provision of meaningful financial assistance to reduce the high cost of innovative activities.

Earlier, Dr Rose Gidado, director of agricultural biotechnology, NBRDA, and chairman of the Local Organising Committee, said that the conference was designed on and for a purpose.

“The purpose is to advance knowledge and foster collaboration in biotechnology for the betterment of humankind,” she said.

Highlight of the event was presentation of awards of excellence and certificates of recognition for outstanding support to individuals of organisations for promoting excellence in biotechnology.

The event also featured goodwill messages from prominent organisations and keynote addresses.

Policy makers, researchers, scientists, experts, stakeholders among others, were also in attendance.