🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
NBRDA Director-General assures Nigerian farmers of genetically modified crop safety and benefits
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency NBRDA, reassured Nigerian farmers in Kano that modern biotechnology, including genetically modified GM technology, is safe, beneficial, and aims to enhance agricultural productivity and livelihoods. Speaking at a sensitization workshop for farmers, extension agents, and traditional rulers, Mustapha emphasized that biotechnology strengthens food security, increases yields, and reduces production costs. He stated that all GM crops undergo strict regulatory scrutiny by the National Biosafety Management Agency, involving scientists, health experts, and environmental specialists, to ensure they pose no danger to humans or the environment. Mustapha highlighted that GM crops are engineered to resist pests and diseases, leading to increased yields and reduced dependence on costly and potentially hazardous pesticides. He also noted that biotechnology would decrease labor intensity, allowing farmers to focus on expanding production and other economic activities. The NBRDA Director-General stressed that GM technology complements traditional farming knowledge by providing better tools to succeed in a changing world with stronger pests, unpredictable climate conditions, and rising food demand. He urged farmers to embrace scientific innovations and seek guidance from relevant authorities, reaffirming NBRDA’s commitment to continuous engagement with stakeholders.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Anthony Joshua is scheduled to return to boxing on July 25 for a warm-up fight against Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event, part of an 'Esports World Cup', will be broadcast live on DAZN. This marks Joshua's first fight since his knockout victory over Jake Paul in December and his subsequent involvement in a car accident in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of two friends and left Joshua with minor injuries. Joshua has signed a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season, which includes a highly anticipated clash with Tyson Fury later in the year. Saudi Boxing Chief Turki Alalshikh confirmed the signing, stating, "To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening. It’s signed." Joshua expressed his delight at the multi-fight deal, stating he has taken time to consolidate and rebuild and is looking forward to competing and picking up where he left off.
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A man has described an incident where Nigeria Police Force operatives raided a shop and harassed customers, as captured in a viral video shared on X. The man stated that the officers did not provide reasons for their actions, which he characterized as a "random raid." He claimed that attempts to engage with the officers were met with intimidation and bullying, and that the shop owner was slapped without provocation. The man questioned why police were not addressing issues like banditry but instead targeted innocent citizens, seeking to exploit them. He also highlighted that one individual was singled out for questioning simply because he worked in a hotel. The man emphasized that citizens should be informed of the reasons for any arrest and their destination, especially given the current insecurity. This incident contributes to ongoing concerns regarding police conduct, with previous reports of officers being sanctioned for citizen harassment.