Nigeria is set to host its first International Conference on Biotechnology, an event organized by the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA). This landmark conference will see the participation of President Bola Tinubu and former President Goodluck Jonathan, alongside leading scientists, researchers, policymakers, industry experts, and entrepreneurs from around the globe....READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
The aim is to delve into the transformative potential of biotechnology in driving Nigeria’s economic growth.
Addressing journalists ahead of the conference on Thursday, NBRDA’s Director General, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, emphasized the conference’s goal of revolutionizing Nigeria’s economic sector and the broader African continent.
With the theme “Biotechnology as an Engine for Economic Growth,” the conference will provide a platform to explore key sectors such as agriculture, health, environment, molecular biology, genetic engineering, and industry, among others.
Professor Mustapha highlighted several focal points of the conference, including leveraging biotechnology for improved crop yields and sustainable food security, harnessing biotechnology for disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, and exploring biotechnology solutions for conservation, pollution mitigation, and climate change.
The conference will also advance research and applications in gene editing, genomics, and synthetic biology, and showcase biotechnology innovations in manufacturing, processing, and product development.
One of the primary objectives of the conference, according to Professor Mustapha, is to foster collaboration between Nigerian and international scientists, researchers, and industry leaders.
By facilitating the exchange of ideas and expertise, the conference aims to stimulate innovative biotechnological solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique challenges and opportunities.
A significant area of focus will be agricultural biotechnology, with discussions on genetically modified crops, improved agricultural practices, and biotechnological innovations aimed at enhancing food security, increasing crop yields, and supporting sustainable farming in Nigeria.
Healthcare outcomes will also be a critical topic, with discussions covering the development of locally-produced biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, and diagnostic tools to address prevalent diseases in Nigeria and improve public health.
Environmental biotechnology will be another major focus, examining how biotechnological solutions can tackle environmental challenges such as pollution, waste management, and renewable energy production, thereby contributing to a greener and more sustainable economy.
The conference will further highlight the potential of industrial biotechnology to drive economic diversification, create high-quality jobs, and attract foreign investment.
Discussions will explore how biotechnological processes can enhance the efficiency and sustainability of industrial production in Nigeria.
Professor Mustapha noted that advancements in biotechnology have the potential to stimulate the emergence of new industries and create employment opportunities.
By showcasing cutting edge research and innovations, the conference aims to attract investment and foster the growth of biotech-related businesses.
This could lead to job creation across various sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, energy, and industry.
Staying at the forefront of biotechnological advancements can enhance Nigeria’s and Africa’s global competitiveness.
The knowledge shared at the conference can empower local researchers, scientists, and entrepreneurs to innovate and compete on a global scale, attracting foreign investment, partnerships, and collaborations, and further boosting the economic impact of biotechnology advancements.
In addition, the solutions discussed at the conference could directly impact the quality of life for citizens, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable development….READ FULL ARTICLE
