President Bola Tinubu and former President Goodluck Jonathan are expected to attend the maiden International Conference on Biotechnology host in Nigeria.
The conference organised by the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) will explore key sectors of the economy which include agriculture, health, environment, molecular biology and genetic engineering, industry and many others.
The Director General of NBRDA, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha while addressing journalists ahead of the conference, said the conference will bring together leading scientists, researchers, policymakers, industry experts, and entrepreneurs from around the world to discuss and explore the transformative potential of biotechnology in driving Nigeria’s economic growth.
Professor Mustapha said the conference with the theme “Biotechnology as an Engine for Economic Growth,” is a platform to revolutionise Nigeria’s economic sector and the entire African continent.
Furthermore, the NBRDA DG highlighted that the conference will leveraging biotechnology for improved crop yields and sustainable food security, harness biotechnology for disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention and explore biotechnology solutions for conservation, pollution mitigation, and climate change.
He said the conference will also focus on advancing research and applications in gene editing, genomics, and synthetic biology, and showcasing biotechnology innovations in manufacturing, processing, and product development among others.
On the key objectives of the conference, Professor Abdullahi said “the conference aims to foster collaboration between Nigerian and international scientists, researchers, and industry leaders. By facilitating the exchange of ideas and expertise, we hope to stimulate innovative biotechnological solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique challenges and opportunities.
“One critical area of focus at the conference is agricultural biotechnology. We will explore how genetically modified crops, improved agricultural practices, and biotechnological innovations can enhance food security, increase crop yields, and support sustainable farming in Nigeria.
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“The conference will explore the role of biotechnology in improving healthcare outcomes. Discussions will cover the development of locally-produced biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, and diagnostic tools that can address prevalent diseases in Nigeria and improve public health.
“Environmental biotechnology will be another critical area of focus. We will examine how biotechnological solutions can address environmental challenges such as pollution, waste management, and renewable energy production, contributing to a greener and more sustainable economy.
“The conference will highlight the potential of industrial biotechnology to drive economic diversification, create high-quality jobs, and attract foreign investment. We will explore how biotechnological processes can enhance the efficiency and sustainability of industrial production in Nigeria”.
He noted that biotechnology advancements have the potential to stimulate the emergence of new industries and employment opportunities.
Mustapha said by showcasing cutting-edge research and innovations in biotechnology, the conference can attract investment and foster the growth of biotech-related businesses.
“This, in turn, can create a ripple effect in job creation across various sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, energy, and industry.
“By staying at the forefront of biotechnological advancements, Nigeria and Africa as a whole can enhance their global competitiveness.
“The knowledge shared at the conference can empower local researchers, scientists, and entrepreneurs to innovate and compete on a global scale. This can attract foreign investment, partnerships, and collaborations, further boosting the economic impact of biotechnology advancements.
“In addition, solutions discussed at the conference can have a direct impact on improving the quality of life for citizens, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable development”, he added.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE