The Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN) held its 32nd annual international biotechnology conference recently in Ibadan, to fashion out ways to advance biotechnological inputs in Nigeria’s agriculture. The event was themed “Biotechnology to Enhance Food Security in sub-Saharan Africa.”
President of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN) Benjamin Ubi, who spoke during the opening address, reiterated the commitment of the society in tackling the challenges of biotechnology research, through collective actions aimed at shaping policies around biotechnology in Nigeria and Africa as a whole, while also laying emphases on food and nutrition security.
In his keynote address, Executive Director of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Yemi Akinbamijo, while highlighting the importance of technology in agriculture, also called for “more science in politics and less politics in science.”
The event had various topics treated, which included; Sustainable use of Nigeria’s mega-biodiversity for enriching nutrition and health; Biotechnologies/fermentation technologies for large-scale industrial enzyme production for the food; Plant genetic resources utilization in developing resilient crops to adapt agriculture to climate change; Bio-resources utilization in fostering a low-carbon renewable energy-based economy; Expanding the frontiers of microbiomes for innovations in agriculture and medicine.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. Nteranya Sanginga has charged the BSN to take the front row and become Africa’s voice for biotechnology on a global landscape.
The IITA DG made the call during a courtesy visit made to him in his office in Ibadan, when a delegation of the Board of Trustees and National Executive Council members paid him a visit, led by Professor Vincent Ado Tenebe, during the 32nd annual international conference of the BSN.
Dr. Sanginga who lauded the society for choosing IITA to host this year’s event also expressed satisfaction at the level of competency in biotechnology research in Nigeria. According to him, the society has effectively placed the country in leadership position in biotechnology in Africa.
On his part, Prof. Tenebe appreciated the leadership of IITA for accepting to host the conference, while pledging the continuous support of the society in mainstreaming biotechnology in the country’s agricultural research for development.
The Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN), the spearheading body of biotechnology in Nigeria, was established with the aim of fostering cooperation on biotechnological advancement across the country and the international community.
The society also facilitates platforms for the exchange of ideas among Nigerian scientists from various scientific backgrounds on the concept and application of modern biotechnology through engagements including conferences, training workshops, exhibitions and publications.
SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA