By Stanley Iwuoha
President Bola Tinubu and former President Goodluck Jonathan have confirmed their attendance to NABRDA maiden International Conference on Biotechnology as Special Guest of Honour and Guest of Honour in Abuja.
The 5-day conference to be hosted by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji will be attended by all stakeholders in the sector, including experts, government officials, industry leaders from across the globe, scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers.
With a focus on the theme, “Biotechnology as an Engine for Economic Growth,” the conference is expected to explore pivotal sectors such as: 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 and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Examining policies and frameworks for protecting and managing biotechnology intellectual property”.
The event will also feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, poster presentations and exhibitions that highlight the latest advancements in biotechnology and their applications across various sectors.
Announcing the conference to media in Abuja, the Director General of National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, NABRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha confirmed the attendance of President Tinubu and Jonathan to the upcoming NABRDA Conference explained that the conference would hold from Monday, 15th to Friday, 19th July, 2024.
Prof. Mustapha, who described the conference as as a milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable economic development from technological advancement stands on five key objectives of: Promoting Innovation and Collaboration; Enhancing Agricultural Productivity; Advancing Healthcare Solutions; Environmental Sustainability; Growth and Job Creation.
“The conference will equally 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.”
Recall that the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has scheduled to host its maiden International Conference on Biotechnology from Monday, 15th to Friday, 19th July 2024 at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Centre and Suites, Abuja.
The conference is expected to 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.
According to the DG, the conference is not merely an event, but a platform to revolutionise Nigeria’s economic sector and the entire African continent.
“These objectives will guide our discussions and actions during the conference, driving progress and innovation in the field of biotechnology.
“Biotechnology advancements 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 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.
Speakers lined up for the conference, including renowned biotechnology.
He called on the media to support the initiative by championing the public awareness and amplify the impact of the conference through extensive coverage.
