Expert Warns Against Arbitrary Adoption Of GMO Food Items
The Federal government has been cautioned against arbitrary adoption of Genetically Modified (GM) foods to accommodate economic interests of some foreign multinational corporations.
Speaking to newsmen in Redeemer’s University, Ede, during a conference sponsored by Living Science Foundation, for Environmental Health Officers, Prof. Joshua Ojo, of Department of Physics and Physics Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife advised the federal government not to sacrifice the well being of Nigerians to the multinationals who are desperately forcing GMO on the people
Though Prof. Ojo admitted that Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) could offer real potential benefits in areas like medicine, pharmacy and industrial agriculture, he however decried what he called “desperation by some foreign interests”, whom he said are pressurising federal government to endorse modified foods, without ascertaining effects of consumption of such foods.
Prof. Ojo, who is the President of the Living Science Foundation, with the headquarters in Ile Ife, Osun state, said till date, there has not been scientific consensus on the GMO foods in Nigeria and charged the federal government to promote discussions among stakeholders on the issue in the interest of Nigerians.
“Until this is done, many Nigerians will continue to be at risk of ailments. In other advanced countries in the world over, they are conducting thorough examination before deciding to allow or disallow GMO foods in their countries,” Ojo said.
Speaking further, Ojo said those polluting environment through industrial emissions, have economic interests which directly engage people, but on the other hand, the emissions are endangering peoples’ lives.
He however urged government at all level to be proactive in handling issues relating to keeping the environment safe by regulating production and providing other reasonable options to control emissions.
Commenting, a member of Living Science Foundation, Dr Niyi Oginni, said the group comprises of scientists that believe in existence of a Supreme Being and efficacy of prayers.
“There are many theories about how universe came into being. But we in Living Science, we believe God created heaven and earth. We believe in prayers and our major concern is environment. We are concern about how to keep our environment safe,” Oginni concluded.
