Re: GMO in Nigeria: How safe is TELA maize?, by Prof MK Othman
Deep Thought with Othman
Today, I am publishing readers’ comments on the GMO article, which undoubtedly generated multiple reactions and questions. Some questions were privately posed, and I had to respond through social media handles. GMOs are human innovations and products of science and technology. Knowledge is very vast, with many intricacies sometimes beyond human comprehension.
For clarity to my readers, what are the differences between GMO and hybrid? The terms “GMO” (Genetically Modified Organism) and “hybrid” refer to different methods of altering the characteristics of organisms, particularly plants. GMO refers to an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. The technique involves directly manipulating an organism’s DNA in a laboratory. Genes from unrelated species can be inserted to introduce new traits. Examples: biotechnology Bt-corn, modified to produce a bacterial toxin that repels pests, or Roundup Ready soybeans, resistant to glyphosate herbicide. Introducing new characteristics, such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, or improved nutritional content, is impossible through traditional breeding. With this explanation, here are some of the readers’ comments:
READ ALSO: GMO in Nigeria: How safe is TELA maize?, by Prof MK Othman
Thank you, Prof, for a fair and balanced contribution to the GMO debate in Nigeria. Please let them label the GM products and allow Nigerians freedom of choice.
Abubakar Gotomo
Thanks for sharing your insightful write-up on TELA Maize and GMOs in Nigeria. Your detailed explanation highlights the benefits of Genetic Engineering and the stringent safety measures in place, which is reassuring.
Abubakar MB Abdulhamid
Dear Prof. Othman, Well done, sir. Nigerians are confused at the moment. Where do we stand on this issue of GMO foods? Some factions support its consumption, while others do not, saying it is dangerous for human consumption. However, the TELA maize seed yields more than the average maize seed. Though this is not my field, we still believe seeds of this nature should be subjected to further tests to see their long-term effect on the human body when consumed for a long time. Safety should be what we should be worried about for now rather than something we have yet to ascertain its acceptance worldwide for human consumption. This is my thinking, sir.
Anonymous
Thank you, sir, for throwing light by telling us your questions raised. As for me, let me continue to eat the maize variety my body system is used to, and then consume a variety that can pose a danger to my body system in the future. Unfortunately, in the country today, we buy all the foods we find in the market without knowing their origin and history. This is the wrong side of food importation. Nigeria should not be seen as a country where all manners of food rejected in many countries will now be acceptable to our citizens. No one will be there to share the pain with us when trouble comes. So, safety should be promoted at a time like this.
Engr Dr. Yemi Oyelade
Prof Othman, You know how monetary compensations can tilt or color a report. The question is why few countries adopt GMOs except for food aid. We must accept that we cannot assess GMOs impartially. We cannot do this by juxtaposing results carried out elsewhere. I believe anything involving Bill Gates is laced with deception.
Engr Cyrill Attang
The University of Australia has developed a GMO molecule called “Seek-RNA.”
This GMO molecule can edit DNA to produce superplants and cure genetic diseases that have no cure. Very soon, they will start a conspiracy theory that it was invented to wipe Africa from the face of the earth.
I am shocked to see such a video posted on a platform that is supposed to be educated, as it serves as evidence of the perceived dangers of GMOs. The video appears to be based on the personal opinion of the individual presenting it, needing more solid scientific evidence or data to support the claims about GMOs. It is concerning that journalists need to thoroughly research GMOs before inviting guests to discuss the topic on their shows, leading to discussions that are based on ignorance rather than facts. The lack of factual information in the video raises questions about the source’s credibility and the validity of the claims being made. Individuals must research and gather reliable information before forming opinions on complex topics such as GMOs. The video serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in the age of easily accessible but potentially misleading information. It is essential to approach discussions about GMOs with an open mind and a willingness to engage in informed evidence-based dialogue. The spread of misinformation and fear-mongering about GMOs only serves to hinder progress and understanding in the field of biotechnology.
Prof John Audu
The concerns or fears about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) use, be it Crops or animals, are valid. For instance, meat can now be produced in the UK laboratory using human tissues; chickens without feathers are being reared in Israel and are likely to be sold and consumed in Africa. Watermelons are genetically modified to be elastic like nylon, and rice from China that is like plastic is already on the market. Some of these fears include issues of toxicity, allergens, gene flow, and ‘playing God’ etc. The scariest part is the fear of GM crops, especially maize, transferring the ‘terminator gene’ via pollen to other local or traditional seeds growing on the field, which will render the local seed sterile and unable to produce. This means farmers can’t save the seed for planting next season. They will have to return to seed companies for their seed every year. This will create a monopoly for such companies by giving so much power to a few individuals to hold the ace in food production. The fear of artificial scarcity is apparent when selling at the price they want.
A typical example is what is happening in the oil sector. Fortunately, Scientists at IAR who worked on TELA have cleared some of these fears. However, more needs to be done. This is where the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) comes in. Extension Agents should educate our farmers to calm their fears. The National Orientation Agency should inform the people about the safety of TELA maize. Government at all levels should sponsor more research into the cultivation and use of GM crops as a panacea to mitigate the challenges of food insecurity.
Dr Iyongo Terungwa Titus
GMO crops, being the products of science and technology, may not be entirely risk-free. Proper sensitization on GMO crops introduced in our country should be accorded wide publicity, and farmers and consumers should be given the right to choose to use or not use the product. It is wrong to force the use of any GMO product on farmers and, by extension, unsuspecting consumers!!!
Alhaji Sani Ahmed on GMO 2024
Professor Othman is the Executive Director of National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), ABU Zaria.
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