experts engage communicators on how best to report Biotechnology

As the controversy on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) rages on in Nigeria, experts and journalists have gathered to brainstorm on how best to communicate issues of biotechnology and biosafety to the general public.
Coordinator journalists for social development Michael Etta said it is time communicators understand the science of modern biotechnology as it when they can understand then it can be properly communicated to the public. 
He said the forum was a great opportunity for science communicators to hear directly from the experts on what GMO is and what its not.
Director General of the National biotechnology development Agency Lucy Ogbado noted that there is need to properly report GMO so as to clear the controversy and called on journalists to research an issue properly before bringing it out to the public. “Biotechnology is not new in Nigeria……. Irish potatoes, vaccines, insulins are all GMO and the have been in the system and used by Nigerians”. She said.
Director General of the National Biosafety management Agency Rufus Ebegba said the aim of the agency is to set up standards for the safety of the future generation. “ The National biosafety law was not enacted in error but to ensure that biotechnology is safe for Nigerians.
Other speakers at the meeting was the coordinator open forum on agricultural biotechnology in Nigeria, Rose Gidado, chief executive officer connected development Hamzat Lawal and they emphasized that biotechnology is a major tool to tackling food shortage in Nigeria and indeed in Africa.