By Obiabin Onukwugha
A sampled size of Nigerians has opposed the introduction of a variety of maize crops engineered by Genetically Modified Organism (GMO).
In an opinion poll conducted by NatureNews to determine people’s preference for the brand of maize seed recently approved for cultivation by the Nigerian government, many respondents were negatively disposed to TELA maize.
The poll, carried out on NatureNews’ social media handles, revealed that 67% of the respondents voted “No”, 18% voted “Yes”, while 15% were indifferent.
The poll was conducted on Saturday, June 30, on NatureNews social media X handle and WhatsApp group.
The question asked was: “Do you think GMO TELA Maize is safe for consumption?”, and the final result was collated on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.
NatureNews notes that mixed reactions have trailed the adoption of TELA maize by the Nigerian government.
Individuals and environmental bodies have kicked against the introduction of the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) maize, citing health risk and environmental concerns.
Recently, a group under the aegis of Global Profile Alliance (GPA) warned the federal government of Nigeria that GMO seeds should be regarded as toxic seeds, which can cause immune system damage and sterility.
According to GPA, the reason GMO seeds face global rejection is the alleged health and environmental hazards they pose to consumers.
But, in a swift reaction the Executive Director of the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Ado Adamu Yusuf, explained that the GMO maize is suitable for consumption.
He said the launch of the TELA maize was propelled by the need to reduce Nigeria’s reliability on imported maize, adding that Nigerian farmers can farm and harvest the TELA maize variety during the rainy and dry seasons.