…Tinubu, Jonathan billed to attend
Nigeria is set to host the maiden International Conference on Biotechnology 2024 (ICOB24), themed “Biotechnology as an Engine for Economic Growth,” in the nation’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The event is being organised by the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) on behalf of the Nigerian government and will feature prominent attendees including President Bola Tinubu and former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.
The week-long conference will take place from Monday, July 15, to Friday, July 19, 2024, at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Centre & Suites, Abuja. It 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.
Speaking at a press conference on July 11, 2024, at NBRDA headquarters in Abuja, the NBRDA director-general, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha emphasised that the conference is not just an event, but a platform to revolutionise Nigeria’s economic sector and the entire African continent.
Mustapha highlighted the pivotal sectors to be addressed at the conference, including:
Agriculture: Leveraging biotechnology for improved crop yields and sustainable food security.
Health: Harnessing biotechnology for disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Environment: Exploring biotechnology solutions for conservation, pollution mitigation and climate change.
Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering: Advancing research and applications in gene editing, genomics and synthetic biology.
Industry: Showcasing biotechnology innovations in manufacturing, processing and product development.
Ethics: Addressing ethical considerations and responsible practices in biotechnology research and application.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Examining policies and frameworks for protecting and managing biotechnology intellectual property.
Highlighting the key objectives of the conference, he said they include:
Promoting Innovation and Collaboration: 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.
Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: 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.
Advancing Healthcare Solutions: 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 Sustainability: 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.
Industrial Growth and Job Creation: 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.
“These objectives will guide our discussions and actions during the conference, driving progress and innovation in the field of biotechnology,” he stated.
Mustapha opined that advancements in biotechnology have the potential to stimulate the emergence of new industries and employment opportunities. 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 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.
In her remarks, the ICOB24 local organizing committee chairman, Dr. Rose Gidado expressed excitement about the nation’s prospect of sharing knowledge, innovations and best practices with global experts and stakeholders. Gidado, who also doubles as the director of the agricultural biotechnology department at NBRDA, expressed optimism about Nigeria hosting a successful conference, adding that the agency would continue to collaborate with the media to showcase the impact of biotechnology.
