News

Nigerian Food Festival: Resonating Campaign Against GMOs

Published

11 months ago

November 27, 2024

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo

The National Convergence and Food Festival may have come and gone, but its echoes of joy, vibrant cultural display continue to resonate in the hearts of those who were in attendance. Hosted by a foremost environmental advocacy organisation – Health of Mother Health Foundation (HOMEF) – in the heart of the ancient Benin City, the event was more than a festival; it was a celebration of identity, tradition and the diversity of Nigeria’s culture.

The festival’s schedule was a mosaic of events designed to cater for everyone. From the scintillating dancing steps of the Benin traditional dancers, matched with beats from the drummers, and the theatrical performances, the diversity in unity was staggering. Cultural troupes from the South-East and the performance by students of the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Benin, were both educational and entertaining, drawing cheers and applause from attendees.

Organic Nigerian local food In exhibition

Other side attractions of the food festival were poetry; exhibition of organically-produced raw foods; panel of discussion segment where discussants emphasised the need for the consumption of local foods and the nutritional values inherent in such local foods. Discusants also exposed attendees to the dangers of consuming GMO foods. At the panel of discussion segment, the discusants all attributed prevalent of terminal diseases in the society to the type of food many particularly young ones consume.

Resource persons at the event also urged those in attendance to watch what they took into their stomachs, warning that they are what they take into their stomachs. The resource persons who spoke one after the other, urged Nigerians to embrace and promote locally made food, saying they’re the best.

Benin cultural troupes performing at the food festival.

The festival climaxed with different local food from the length and breadth of the country. The prepared local foods were dished to attendees in a well coordinated manner.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Executive Director, HOMEF, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, said it was critical to have “a festival of this nature” because it is an avenue to display Nigeria’s diverse cultures.

“Our local foods are being threatened in Nigeria. In fact, in Africa, we are having all strange varieties being imported into our countries. So, there is need to promote our local food above this GMO foods,” he said.

Penel of discussion discussing the dangers in GMO foods, and the advantage of eating local food.

The Executive Director, who expressed concern over the push for GMO foods into the country, and how the existence of the nation’s local food is being threatened, declared his organisation’s opposition to GMO foods in the country.

“We are concerned especially by the push into the country of genetically modified foods. We are completely against GMOs. Many claims by those who promote GMOs are all false. GMOs don’t produce more than conventional crops. They are not as healthy as natural crops, and they are not natural.”

He added: “We will continue our campaign against GMO because those who are promoting it are all concerned about money, the profit,” he said.

Igbo cultural troupes performing at the food festival.

It is worth noting that GMO is a plant or microorganism that has been subjected to biotechnology. GMO developers use biotechnology to alter an organism’s fundamental characteristics.

Also, in her welcome speech, Joyce Brown, the chairman, local organising committee of the festival who also doubles as Program Director, HOMEF, said the event was aimed at celebrating the diversity of Nigeria’s foods.

She, therefore, joined her voice with that of Bassey to “call on our government to put a halt to whatever decision threatening this local food.”

Theatre Arts performance.

News

Tenebe Threatens To Suspend Edo Commissioner Who Fails To Wear Asiwaju’s Cap

Published

11 hours ago

October 27, 2025

Editor

Chairman of the All progressives Congress in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has said that any Commissioner sent out of the State Executive Council meeting for not wearing Tinubu’s signature cap would be suspended from the party.

Recall that Governor Monday Okpebholo had, during the Inauguration of the last batch of Commissioners, to wear the cap whenever they attend Exco meeting.

Tenebe in a television interview and monitored by our reporter said it was an act of indiscipline and insubordination for any Commissioner not to obey Okpebholo’s directive.

He said any impediment for Edo APC not to achieve 3.5 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027 would not be tolerated.

He said, “If you refuse to wear the cap as the governor has directed, we will suspend you. That is indiscipline and insubordination.

“We are doing it because we have made a promise that 3.5 million votes are guaranteed. Everybody has keyed into realising the 3.5 million votes.

“If, as a member of the APC, you got an appointment, you are supposed to be loyal to the President.

“We are expressing our loyalty to the President by wearing the cap. Those complaining are not members of the APC. We, in Edo, have made it clear. No Asiwaju cap, no Exco.”

News

Police Alert Public On Anonymous Bomb Threats In Edo

Published

11 hours ago

October 27, 2025

Editor

The Edo State Police Command has alerted corporate organisations and members of the public to a wave of anonymous bomb threats being used by unidentified fraudsters to extort money.

The warning was contained in a public advisory issued on Monday by the Assistant Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem.

She said the command is investigating what it described as clear attempts to extort through fear and intimidation.

“The Edo State Police Command has observed a disturbing crime trend involving anonymous callers threatening individuals, business owners, and corporate organisations in Edo State, claiming that explosive devices have been planted within their premises.

“The callers then demand money, threatening to detonate the alleged explosives if their demands are not met. These acts are clear attempts at extortion through fear and intimidation, and the Command is actively investigating reported cases,” Ikoedem said.

In light of the development, the command urged members of the public to remain calm.

She added, “Do not panic or give in to any financial demands from such callers. The Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit is fully capable of detecting and neutralising explosives.

“Report all such calls or messages immediately to the nearest police station or to the Command’s Control Room via 08077773721 or 08037646272.

“Avoid spreading unverified information or causing unnecessary panic.

“Stay vigilant and report any suspicious persons, objects, or movements in your surroundings.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the deployment of specialised units, including the EOD team, Intelligence Bureau, and Tactical Squads, to respond swiftly to any reported threats and safeguard the public.

The Command also confirmed it is working closely with telecommunication providers and other security agencies to trace and apprehend the perpetrators.

News

Edo State Government Pays Last Respect To Late NSCDC Commandant

Published

12 hours ago

October 27, 2025

Editor

The Deputy Governor of Edo State on Monday led the state’s government delegation to pay last respect to the late Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Edo StaSte Command, Agun Joseph

The delegation comprised of all the security heads in the state, associates, politicians, as well other security.

The event which took place in Festival Hall in Benin, the deputy governor of the state described the late commandant as a man who impacted positively in the lives of the people.

Idahosa said Joseph will surely be missed, not only by his colleagues, but hundreds of others who came in contact with him.

“Joseph was a man of man of exemplary leadership, a team player, and a thorough bred officer who shared intelligence with sister agencies during his service years.

“As a state and people, we appreciate the commandant for being an astute officer who displayed quality leadership, exemplified courage, fairness, and justice in matters of security and governance.”

“Through his leadership at the NSCDC in the state, he exemplified courage, integrity, and professionalism of the highest order.

“He was a man guided by fairness, justice, and a deep sense of responsibility and excellence, always adhering to global best practices in matters of security and governance.

“Today, we gather with heavy hearts to pay our last respects to a remarkable officer, a dedicated public servant, a loving husband, and a devoted father.

“A man whose life was dedicated to serving our dear state and nation with distinction and honour,” he stated.

On behalf of the Edo State Government, Idahosa extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues.

Addressing the daughter, and brother of the deceased who were physically present at the valedictory session, Idahosa said, “We share in your grief and pray that God grants you the strength to bear this painful loss.”

“Though Commandant Agun has departed this world, His legacy endures — in the countless lives he touched, in the officers he trained, and in the peace and stability he worked so hard to uphold.

“As we bid him farewell, let us honour his memory by rededicating ourselves to the ideals he stood for — integrity, diligence, and selfless service to humanity,” he stated.

Heads of security agencies present at the event were that from the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Airforce, Nigerian Immigration, Nigerian Correctional Service, NDLEA, and the FRSC.

It would recalled that until his death, Agun, 57, was the commandant of the state command of the NSCDC.