News

HOMEF Set To Hold National Conference On GMOs And Biosafety In Nigeria

Published

2 years ago

July 26, 2024

Editor

Concerned about the introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) crops in Nigeria and their increasing rate in the market place, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), in collaboration with GMO-Free Nigeria Alliance, is set to hold a National Conference on GMOs.

The conference titled: ‘Beyond the Propaganda: Unveiling the Truth About GMOs,’ is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

According to the organisers, the conference aims at addressing issues related to the regulation of
GMOs/approval processes, risk assessment, access to information, and the health, economic, and environmental implications of GMOs, adding that it It would also highlight the way forward for food sovereignty in Nigeria.

In a statement made available to INFO DAILY by Kome Odhomor, Media/Communication Lead, HOMEF, the Executive Director, HOMEF, Nnimmo Bassey, said: “There has been an uproar in the country since the most recent approval, i.e. of the TELA Maize genetically modified to be pest resistant and drought tolerant.

“Major concerns expressed by the public include the secrecy with which these GMOs are deployed, the implication of corporate control
of seeds and the Nigerian food system, the contamination of the
country’s local genetic resources, environmental degradation, health
implications, and more.”

“It is of the essence that a multi-stakeholder forum is organised to cohesively address the various concerns with GMOs, review the experience so far, and come up with clear resolutions regarding their deployment and use as well as solutions for food sovereignty in Nigeria,” Bassey
added.

On her part, HOMEF’s Director of Programmes, Joyce Brown, noted that “since the set up of the National Biosafety Management Agency Act in 2015, more than 20 different crop varieties have been approved by the Agency for various
purposes including commercial release/market placement.

“As of 28th June 2024, according to information available on the Biosafety Clearing House(BCH) [where countries that are signatories to the Biological
Convention on Biodiversity are required to upload information regarding decisions on GMOs], Nigeria has approved 25 GM products – 11 for field
trials; 4 for commercial release; and 10 for food, feed or processing.”

Recall that the House of Representatives in May 2024, proposed a motion to probe the introduction of GMOs in Nigeria and urged the Federal Government to suspend the introduction of new Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) crops in the country.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

8 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.