The director of the agricultural biotechnology department of Nigeria’s National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Dr. Rose Gidado has been presented with an award for her exceptional contributions to science communication in Nigeria.
The award was presented during the fourth International Conference on Communication and Development in Africa organised by the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM) in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). The event was themed “Change Management and Data-Driven Strategic Engagement for Development”.
During the ceremony, Gidado was described as the “mother of science communication” by the executive director of ISDEVCOM, Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, who commended her for promoting agricultural biotechnology in Nigeria.
In her acceptance speech, Gidado – the former country coordinator of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) – expressed her gratitude for the award and acknowledged its importance in motivating her to do more in terms of sensitising people about the science behind modern agricultural biotechnology. She went on to recall how the leadership of Dandaura attraced the grant by Sci-Dev of London, funded by Robert Bosch Stiftung of Germany, which led to the commencement of science communication in Nigeria. Gidado highlighted the importance of science communication in the sensitization of innovative technologies such as agricultural biotechnology.
Also, Gidado emphasised the agency’s efforts in Nigeria, which have resulted in the cultivation of two genetically modified crops – Bt cotton and Bt cowpea (beans), an indigenous variety with high yields. She congratulated ISDEVCOM and the Nasarawa State University for their contributions to science communication in Nigeria and encouraged them to continue their efforts.
The event also celebrated the fifth anniversary of ISDEVCOM and saw the presentation of awards to over 20 pioneers of development communication, including individuals who have advanced the practice in Nigeria. The ceremony also recognised the contributions of several distinguished Nigerians, including the Chief of Staff of Adamawa State government, Prof. Maxwell Gidado, SAN; the governor of Adamawa, Ahmadu Fintiri and Engr. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State.
Gidado’s award highlights the importance of science communication in promoting innovative technologies and creating awareness among people. Her contributions to the popularisation of agricultural biotechnology in Nigeria have had a significant impact, and her efforts have been recognised by many.
The event is a testament to the need for increased investment in science communication and the promotion of innovative technologies to enhance development in Africa.
