NAN-AE-6
Information
Abuja, Nov.3, 2016 (NAN) Mrs Bibiana Kipkorir, Programme Officer, International Service for the Acquisition of Agric-Biotech Application (ISAAA), has advised biosafety stakeholders to release only scientifically proven information on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
Kipkorir gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
She said that biosafety stakeholders should be trained on how to effectively pass on their messages as regards the issues of biosafety foods as long as they are backed by credible scientific evidence.
“You find out that a lot of debates and arguments going on out there among the public surrounding GMOs are caused by a lot of misconceptions.
“What we Africans should do is to educate ourselves by arming ourselves with adequate skills on how to communicate the issues relating to GMO and the associated risks,’’ she said.
Kipkorir said that there should be a strong grassroots programme where the unlettered could be educated on issues surrounding GMOs.
“We should as well talk to women and farmers to allay the fears that surround the technology and show them how they can benefit from it.
“We are dealing with a technology that is very controversial and also has to do with food so people are bound to address the issue with fear and a lot of anxiety.
“Stakeholders must be careful when they frame their messages when talking and educating the public because they are the public’s watch dogs, who ensure that whatever products are coming into their countries are safe,” she said.
Kipkorir said that the massages and information in addition to being scientifically backed should as well address the concerns of the public.
“Human beings are always sceptical about innovations and GMO is a controversial issue, so its associated information should be addressed with caution.
“Therefore, as we ensure safety in the application of modern biotechnology and Genetically Modified Organism (GMOs) we must carry the public along.
“ As government moves ahead with its law and procedures for the deployment of the technology and the release of GMOs for any purpose, the public must be made aware, every step of the way.’’
She said that Africa was not in isolation of international communities and must understand that the issue of GMO was governed by science, basic and sound science.
“We do not just listen to illusions or sentiments on issues of biosafety because biosafety is regulated using sound science,’’ she said. (NAN)
EPA/AFA
Edited by Felix Ajide
===============