NEWS
No Going Back from GMOs – FG

By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja
The Federal government has said that there was no going back from adopting Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) as part of its efforts to ensure food security, stressing that Biotechnology and genetic engineering, were panaceas to threats of famine and drought.Government said it was using Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology to solve agricultural problems.
Director General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, conveyed this position on Monday, to a sensitization workshop on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and their products for House of Representatives Correspondents. Prof. Mustapha, represented by Dr. Rose Gidado, Director, Agric Biotech Department, said that biotechnology was necessary in view of the grappling of food insecurity globally today.”Today, biotechnology is more relevant than ever, especially as the government faces the dual threats of drought and impending famine.”To counter these, it is turning to climate-smart, agricultural solutions such as high-yielding, drought tolerant maize, herbicide tolerant soybeans, bacterial blight potato,” he said.He scored scientists high in the areas of agricultural biotechnology innovations, saying that scientists in Nigeria have harnessed the technology to develop crops like Bt cotton.The Director General, who identified the role of journalists in influencing public opinion, said that the essence of the workshop was to address the challenges of misinformation, disinformation and mal-information around GMOs.Mustapha affirmed the supremacy of information in an increasingly connected world, urged journalists to be guided by the pursuit of truth.He called on journalists to be champions of science in government’s efforts in addressing hunger in Nigeria by countering narratives of misinformation around GMO.Mustapha said that the workshop would provide a platform for evidence-based dialogue where diverse voices can come together in asking questions aimed at building mutual understanding around biotechnological agriculture.”In a time marked by an overflow of both facts and falsehoods, the role of the media as truth-bearers and defenders of democracy has never been more vital.”You are charged with scrutinizing, analysing and contextualising the issues, especially those as consequential as food security.”Some proponents of GMO at the sensitization workshop, attempted to address the concerns and fears of the public over GMOs, insisting that those captaining against it were mischievous and hypocritical.Prof Ishiyaku Mohammed said it was not true that GMO caused cancer, as opponents of GMO were playing games around it to demarket GMO to achieve their parochial interests.He said these opponents were major consumers of GMO products, but were driven by their mischievous and vested interests.He said GMO was the solution to existing problems of food insecurity in the country.Dr. Rufus Ebegba said the products were safe, urging religious leaders to refrain from indoctrinating their followers that it was against natural creations by God, stressing that it was God who gave the wisdom to solve these problems.Another paper presenter, Diran Onifade, a Media consultant, said the proponents of GMO ought to have involved the Media from the onset, not when there are crisis followers campaigns by the opponents.He said it was better late than never, urging journalists to clarify all claims by opponents from European countries and query their interests.Chairman, House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, earlier in an address, said it was essential to acknowledge the divergent views on this subject of GMO.”On one hand, proponents of GMOs argue that these organisms can enhance crop yields, improve nutritional content, and foster sustainable agricultural practices, on the other hand, critics raise concerns about the potential risks associated with GMOs, including environmental degradation, health implications, and economic threats to local farmers.”Some argue that GMOs can contaminate local genetic resources, undermine food diversity, and increase hunger.”Today, we have the opportunity to listen to experts on this very important issue. Our goal is to make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of Nigerians and the environment. I encourage our members to be attentive and I look forward to a thoughtful and nuanced discussion on this critical issue.”I wish to appreciate the OFAB, AATF and NBRDA for organising this very important training for members of the corps. I also thank all the resource persons that will be taking us through the training.”We hope that this training will be an annual event to update the media and of course the public on the latest developments on GMOs.”Foreign News
Zelensky Announces New Draft Law on Anti-corruption Bodies after Protests

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he has approved the text of a draft law guaranteeing the freedom of two anti-corruption bodies in Ukraine – days after nationwide protests broke out over changes curbing their independence.
Kyiv’s Western partners had also expressed serious concerns over the legislation.
On Thursday, Zelensky seemed to backtrack, saying the new bill was intended to safeguard the independence of Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (Sap), and to protect them from Russian influence.
He said the text of the bill was “balanced”, but did not provide any details.
The law passed earlier this week brought Nabu and Sap under the control of the prosecutor general, who is appointed by the president.
At the time Zelensky justified his decision to curtail the bodies’ powers by citing Russian influence. The day before, Ukraine’s security services had carried out searches and arrests targeting alleged Russian spies at the agency.
The passing of the legislation instantly sparked the largest protests since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 in several cities across Ukraine, with many worrying the law would severely undermine the Nabu and Sap’s authority and effectiveness.
Thousands of people gathered in streets and squares across Ukraine, holding placards calling for the legislation to be vetoed.
Several commentators accused Zelensky of democratic backsliding. Their concerns were further exacerbated when Ukraine’s Western partners signalled their displeasure with the bill.
Ukraine has official EU candidate status and a spokesman for European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen previously warned Kyiv that the rule of law and the fight against corruption were “core elements” of membership to the bloc.
On Thursday, the Commission said it “welcomed” the Ukrainian government’s decision to take action against the bill.
“We are working [with the Ukrainian government] to make sure that our concerns… are indeed taken into account,” the spokesman said.
Nabu and Sap were created in 2014-15 as one of the requirements set by the European Commission and International Monetary Fund to move towards a relaxation of visa restrictions between Ukraine and the EU.
Writing on Facebook, opposition MP Oleksiy Goncharenko noted Zelensky said that “the independence of anti-corruption institutions must be guaranteed.”
“First we take it away, and then we say that it must be guaranteed. So why was all this necessary?”
In his message on social media on Thursday, Zelensky did not acknowledge the protests or the backlash but said it was “important that we respect the position of all Ukrainians and are grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine.”
NEWS
Why I Quit Banking for Music – CDQ

Nigerian rapper CDQ has revealed that he left a stable banking job to pursue his true passion, music.
In an interview, the hip-hop star shared that becoming a banker was a move to honor his late father’s wishes, but it wasn’t where his heart truly belonged.
“I quit my bank job.
I couldn’t tell my mother or any family member then. I left the house and went to stay with Masterkraft in the studio,” he said.CDQ admitted that while at the bank, he often found himself scribbling lyrics during work hours instead of focusing on his official duties.
The internal conflict eventually led him to a bold decision, quitting his job to chase a career in music.
According to him, even his close friend and producer, Masterkraft, was shocked when he learned about the decision. Interestingly, Masterkraft used to lend CDQ suits to wear to the bank.
“I told him banking isn’t my passion. I will probably just do it to make ends meet. But music is something that, whether it gives me a return or not, I’m still happy doing it,” CDQ added.
CDQ’s gamble paid off. He shot to fame in 2016 with his hit single “Indomie” featuring Masterkraft and Olamide.
NEWS
Aba state: Stop Attacking Ikonne’s Patriotic Call, Analyst Warns Gov Otti

… Says EX-NALDA Boss Means Well, Patriotic
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
A researcher and political analyst based in Abia state, Dr. Ujo Justice, has cautioned Governor Alex Otti to stop media attack on the immidiate-past Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne, over his call for the creation of Aba state.
The public affairs commentator described Prince Ikonne’s call as patriotic, adding that the call for creation of Aba state was a legitimate political expression rooted in the quest for equity, development, and fair representation.
The former NALDA boss had on Thursday criticized Governor Otti’s stand against the creation of additional state for South-east but commended Imo state governor Hope Uzodimma’s stand for the new state.
Responding to the report, Governor Otti through his media aide Ferdinand Ekeoma, in a statement titiled “Aba State Creation: Paul Ikonne Needs Help to Salvage His Hate-ravaged Mind”, described former NALDA boss as “hate-ravaged,” mind.
Speaking with newsmen on Friday, the Abia born Dr. Ujo Justice, however, cautioned the Alex Otti’s state government against media bullying, saying the governor’s statement” is not a defense of governance, but an attempt to silence dissent. Resorting to insults, distorting past events, and questioning academic credentials without proof is nothing but intellectual laziness.”
According to Dr. Justice, Paul Ikonne is not an opportunist. He is not seeking appointment. He is not playing to the gallery. He is asking the hard questions that many are too afraid to ask.
He said: “Prince Paul Ikonne did not incite division; he illuminated reality. His call for the creation of Aba State was a legitimate political expression rooted in the quest for equity, development, and fair representation — a demand many leaders from the South East, including progressive voices across party lines, have long echoed.
“Rather than engage with the merit of his argument, the Governor’s media aide descended into personal insults, calling Ikonne “hate-ravaged,” “infantile,” and “clannish.” Such vile expressions should have no place in public discourse, especially from the office of a sitting governor.
“In truth, Ikonne’s words were firm but patriotic. And in a democracy, that should be respected.”
In contrary, the political analyst said Dr. Alex Otti, who has consistently positioned himself as a technocrat, but his arguments against state creation lack the nuance and sensitivity expected of a leader governing a multi-ethnic and politically conscious state like Abia.
“It is on record that Governor Otti, in 2020, wrote against the creation of additional states, citing economic impracticality. While that is a valid intellectual concern, what he fails to admit is the underlying injustice in Nigeria’s current state structure — particularly against the South East which remains the only region with five states. This imbalance directly affects representation, federal appointments, and resource allocation.
“Ikonne’s position was not that of a sectional warrior, but of a nationalist calling for correction of a decades-long injustice. To reduce that to clannishness is either a deliberate misrepresentation or a poor grasp of political history.”
Dr. Justice said rather than focus on real governance challenges, the Governor’s aide took a deep dive into history, hurling unverified allegations from as far back as 2007 on Prince Paul Ikonne.
“As Commissioner for Lands, Ikonne introduced reforms that streamlined land allocation and usage.
“As Executive Secretary of NALDA, he led federal agricultural projects that empowered farmers in states across the country, despite limited collaboration from some state governments.
“His approach to public service has always been focused on productivity and results — not media drama.
“The accusation that he “neglected Abia” while serving at NALDA is disingenuous. National appointments require national scope. That Abia did not benefit from NALDA as Ekeoma claimed is a reflection of non ethnic bais and should have a more reflection of poor synergy from state actors than any failure on Ikonne’s part.”
He also called that Paul Ikonne’s advocacy for Aba did not start recently.
“Long before it became politically fashionable to pose with potholes for the cameras, Ikonne had spoken passionately about the economic potential of Aba and the need for strategic investment in its people.
“The current government may be renovating roads and repainting walls, but cosmetic development without political inclusion is not enough. Ikonne simply asked, “Where are the Aba indigenes in this government? Where is their voice in this administration?” That question deserves an answer — not a tantrum.”
While calling for a better politics in Abia state, the political analyst said: “As researcher, and proud son of Abia, I can boldly say that this state deserves more than bitter media wars and vendetta-driven communication. It deserves leadership that welcomes criticism, not one that weaponizes press releases to hound political opponents.
“If the current government has any confidence in its performance, it should focus on delivering its promises, not throwing mud at those who dare to speak.
” Prince Paul Ikonne is a visionary, a patriot, and a political bridge-builder. History will remember him for his courage, consistency, and conviction — not for the lies peddled by those threatened by the truth.
“Let us rise above media mudslinging and return to politics of ideas, vision, and service. Abia is watching.”