Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Chinaza Eziaghighala’s novella Chimera follows Yetunde, Amaka, Inyene, and others on the campus of a college of medicine that is unmistakably MedLag. We watch as they grapple with various challenges and display their flaws in all their messy glory and grandeur.

It is narrated in the first person by Amaka, Inyene, and Inspector Babajide, whose voices are presented with unflinching artistry.

At the beginning of the book, we meet Amaka at a Lagos market, amid all the chaos and confusion. Through her, we are introduced to Mama, her grandmother, who raises her after her parents’ death; Yetunde, her friend; and Inyene, her boyfriend, who soon reveals that his eyes are on Amaka. He makes flirtatious moves whenever his girlfriend is not around, moves that stir strange feelings in Amaka, feelings she dares not express for fear of shattering Yetunde’s happiness.

Inyene’s advances towards Amaka make some sense when he says: ‘I had not fully understood what happened, because what I last remembered was booze, weed, colours, and a blasted headache. When I saw Yetunde instead of Amaka, I knew it had happened again, even though I didn’t intend for it to happen this way. I had only skipped about a week’s dose, which wasn’t that much in my opinion; therefore, I didn’t expect this to happen, not so soon anyway.’

Still, we are left with questions, especially about what makes him confuse one friend for the other. The suspense deepens when Yetunde, whose parents live abroad, turns up in the hospital after an attempted suicide. But it doesn’t end there. Upon leaving the hospital, she disappears, and the search for her gives the plot new wings, forcing us to journey through the nooks and crannies in pursuit of this young woman whose life brims with mysteries waiting to be unraveled.

The police soon step in. Inspector Babajide is given the mandate to unravel the circumstances surrounding Yetunde’s disappearance. His daughter, Rita, attends the same school and he feels led to find the missing girl because she could have been his daughter. He goes after Amaka, Inyene, and Ahmed and makes life ‘unbearable’ for them. His discovery breaks hearts and engenders disappointment. Fingers of guilt point at Inyene, but he insists the fingers are pointing in the wrong direction.

As we get closer to the last pages, we are left with no choice but to praise the author for treating themes so heavy with ingenuity. We confront a chimera, that phenomenon of seeing things that exist in the imagination but are impossible in reality.

But Chimera is more than a story of individual breakdowns; it is a magical tale. It also holds a mirror up to a society that refuses to acknowledge the fragility of the mind.

The college setting, with its intense academic competition, substance use, and unspoken emotional burdens, echoes the wider realities faced by young Nigerians striving to ‘succeed’ in a system that rarely allows them to falter.

The market and street scenes also give the author the latitude to run veiled commentaries about the state of infrastructure, especially roads, in Lagos. The persistent darkness also provides the opportunity to comment on what a disappointment the power supplier has become.

The role of religion in our society doesn’t escape the author’s attention. When the pastor visits Inyene in a cell complete with oil and claims of ‘casting out demons’, it seems to reflect a deeply ingrained social reality in Nigeria (and across much of Africa): spiritual interpretations of mental illness often take precedence over medical ones.

This is not just a critique of religion but also an acknowledgment of the power dynamics at play: elders, family members, and spiritual leaders exert pressure, often overriding the agency of the person in crisis.

Meanwhile, Inspector Babajide embodies an older generation’s attempt to restore order without fully grasping the psychological chaos beneath it.

In Chimera, Eziaghighala combines medical insight and fantasy with literary craft to produce a haunting narrative that blurs the line between the real and the unreal.

In smooth prose, she serves us a delicious dish about the human mind and age-old culture.

One of the leading governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, has appealed to Nigerians not to lose hope in the country as it is already on the path of recovery.

According to him, the various reforms, programmes and policy direction of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, were already paving the nation’s path to recovery speedily and steadily.

In his congratulatory message to the people of the nation on the 65th independence celebration, Babayemi said the efforts of Tinubu’s administration had shown that the country’s problems were not irredeemable

‘With our trajectory as a nation and given our resilience and contributions at different times and levels as a people, we have continued to move on. Though we are not where we should be, however, we are no longer where we used to be. All these go to show that our seemingly chaotic situation is not insurmountable’, the notable aspirant said.

According to him, it was gladdening that Nigeria was beginning to wear a new transformative face due to the drive of President Tinubu anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘We must commend President Tinubu for painstakingly taking Nigeria through a new phase of developmental rebirth in different sectors in the country. The result of this will no doubt endure in the long run,’ he maintained.

Babayemi expressed the optimism that with sustained efforts by the Tinubu s administration at ensuring a better life for the populace, the dreary situation would soon give way.

Babayemi then pleaded with the people to continue to support the government advising that they must always give peace a chance in order to ensure the achievement of the desired tranquility and development.

‘Please, let’s always strive to seek peace; for that’s when anything meaningful can be achieved. In this strand, we must equally be law-abiding so as not to put people’s lives and property in jeopardy’ added the Prince of Gbongan.

Babayemi, while applauding the country’s founding fathers for their vision and efforts, praised past and present leaders at all levels for their contributions to the nation. He wished citizens, both at home and in Diaspora, happy and memorable celebrations.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has announced plans by his administration to construct new Islamiyya schools and renovate existing ones across the state beginning next year, as part of efforts to strengthen Islamic education and moral upbringing among children.

The Governor made the disclosure during the commissioning of the remodelled Kirare Jumu’at Mosque and a block of classrooms in Goronyo Local Government Area.

Aliyu said the initiative is aimed at deepening access to quality Islamic education and instilling sound moral values that would help young people become responsible members of society.

‘For us to correct the wrong perceptions some non-Muslims have about Islam, we must educate our people on the true teachings of the religion. Islamiyya schools are critical in raising a morally sound society,’ the Governor stated.

Governor Aliyu also announced that graveyard attendants across the state would soon be placed on the government payroll in recognition of their service to society.

On mosque renovation, he revealed that his administration has awarded contracts for the remodeling of 65 mosques, noting that the Kirare Jumu’at Mosque is the 16th to be commissioned under the ongoing programme.

The Governor urged benefiting communities to take ownership of the projects, maintain the facilities, and keep them clean at all times.

In his goodwill message, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, commended Governor Aliyu for his continued investment in religious and moral infrastructure. He also called on residents to maintain the mosques and pray for lasting peace and security in Sokoto State and across the country.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Goronyo, praised the Governor’s focus on people-oriented projects, noting that the state is witnessing remarkable progress in key sectors such as infrastructure, water supply, agriculture, and security.

The commissioning ceremony drew several dignitaries, including Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, former Governor Malam Yahaya, Deputy Governor Idris Muhammed Gobir, Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Tukur Bala Bodinga, members of the National and State Assemblies, commissioners, and other senior government officials.

He prayed for divine wisdom and strength for Yilwatda to navigate the challenges ahead and lead the party to new heights.

Two Saturdays ago, while exulting over the successful election of new officials for the Niger State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jerry Gana, a party chieftain and former Information minister, issued the categorical imperative that Nigerians were disillusioned with the APC and wanted ex-president Goodluck Jonathan back. He didn’t make it a hypothetical imperative. He simply announced to the whole world and his party that the former president would be contesting the 2027 presidential poll on the PDP platform.

Prof. Gana put it elegantly but provocatively: ‘I can confirm that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will contest the presidential election in 2027 as PDP candidate and you will vote for him to return as President again.PDP has tremendous opportunity in 2027 because it is truly a grassroots party. The people of Nigeria love the PDP because it came with programmes that were people-oriented. That is why they remember PDP immensely, and they are urging us to come back.’

Not only did his party issue a rebuttal the following day through its publicity secretary Debo Ologunagba, they also confirmed that Dr Jonathan was nothing more than one of the options they were contemplating. They may, however, be chasing a chimera, since the footloose Dr Jonathan may in fact be exploring other options. It is unclear that party chieftains who have spent so much to keep the party afloat would casually surrender the nomination to Dr Jonathan who had for years detached himself from the party. To reap where he did not sow would not only violate natural law, it would also fly in the face of Kant’s categorical imperative.

Team Brazil by Claure Group surged to pole position in a thrilling qualifying session ahead of the E1 Lagos GP presented by FirstBank, as the world’s first all-electric raceboat Championship makes history this weekend with its debut on the African continent.

The tropical waters of the Lagos Lagoon are hosting the pioneering race series, marking a major milestone for Nigeria as it continues to build its reputation as a global destination for world-class sporting events.

The dramatic qualifying session ended with Team Brazil by Claure Group securing the top spot, ahead of Team Rafa and Aoki Racing Team, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown tomorrow.

The two points awarded to Team Rafa for second place in qualifying sees Rafael Nadal’s E1 team reclaim the Championship lead from Team Brady by a single point. The NFL legend’s team suffered technical difficulties which ended their hopes of challenging for pole position.

The Championship battle hangs in the balance and a win tomorrow could prove decisive as Team Brady fights to defend its crown.

Rodi Basso, founder and Chief Executive Officer of E1 said: ‘The warm welcome we have received in Lagos has been incredible. The people and passion of Nigeria has made this historic E1 Lagos GP presented by FirstBank possible, and I feel a great sense of pride that we have made racing here a reality.

‘Our ambition is to build a motorsport legacy in Africa. This weekend’s race is just the beginning and today’s qualifying sessions have provided a thrilling taste of what’s to come on race day tomorrow.’

Sunday’s race is expected to draw thousands of spectators to the waterfront as excitement builds across Lagos. African football icon Didier Drogba and his partner Gabrielle Lemaire, instrumental in bringing E1 to the continent, will attend to support his team, Team Drogba Global Africa, as the Championship continues its groundbreaking journey.

Championship Standings: Team Rafa – 136 pts, Team Brady – 135 pts, Aoki Racing Team – 125 pts, Team Blue Rising – 114 pts, Westbrook Racing – 82 pts, Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James – 79 pts, Team Drogba – 66 pts, Team Brazil by Claure Group – 51 pts and Team Miami – 32 pts.

Security has been strengthened at Local Government Area (LGA) secretariats across Osun State as factional council workers resume duties on Monday, ending an eight-month strike triggered by a control tussle between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) had downed tools since February 17, 2025, following an Appeal Court judgment that reinstated APC chairmen – a move strongly opposed by the PDP, which had conducted its own council elections leading to the emergence of its members.

The protracted crisis kept council offices locked until recently, when the Federal Government recognized the reinstated APC chairmen by releasing six months of withheld allocations to the LGA accounts operated by them. Consequently, workers under the Association of Concerned Local Government Workers announced October 6, 2025, as their official resumption date.

Speaking to The Nation on Sunday, the Osun State Police Command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, assured that adequate measures had been put in place to maintain peace, saying:

‘We won’t have a repeat of what happened on February 17, 2025, in Osun State again on October 6, 2025.’

He emphasised that security operatives have been deployed across all LG secretariats to prevent any breakdown of law and order as work resumes.

He said, ‘Even before the issue of the release of funds, we have been on high alert, especially at our local government areas. I have spoken with the Commissioner of Police, who has given a standing order to our men to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order.’

The Osun APC, through its Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, commended the Association of Concerned Local Government Workers of Osun State for their resolve to resume at their duty posts on Monday.

He described their decision as a patriotic action, saying, ‘It will bring to an end the avoidable sufferings being faced by the stakeholders like the revered traditional rulers, healthcare workers, primary school teachers, and others.’

He noted, ‘We, as a party, are joining the teeming striking workers who have expressed their displeasure on the plan of the state government to frustrate their resumption on Monday, using the promotion letter ploy to drive the plot.

‘The Osun State Government, in a directive signed by one Mr L. M. Kareem, the Permanent Secretary, Osun State Local Government Service Commission, had on Friday directed local government workers to report at the commission in Abere, on Monday, 6th of October, 2025, for the collection of their letters of promotion.’

He noted, ‘The issuance of the strange directive to the council workers to report at Abere for the collection of their promotion letters is not only a panic measure but an indication that all is not well with the infamous administration of Governor Adeleke.

‘In fact, this latest directive to the striking workers shows that Governor Adeleke and those thinking for his government have missed it a big time, as the chosen device for frustrating the resumption of the workers is laughable, puerile, absurd, and unreasonable.

‘Is Governor Adeleke saying that some of the health centres in the state should be closed because of a government directive that the workers should come down to Abere to pick up their promotion letters?

The resumption of local government on Monday by the striking workers is an idea whose time has come, and no army of naysayers and saboteurs can stop it.

Meanwhile, the NULGE President Nathaniel Ogungbagbe said, ‘Any worker who resumes at the council on Monday is induced by APC to legalise their illegality of sacked status. Our genuine members won’t join the resumption.’

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has elected Nosa Ogieva as its new state chairman.

The factional executive emerged at a congress held in Benin City, the Edo State capital, with 576 delegates from the state’s 192 wards participating in the exercise.

The development comes a week after another PDP faction in the state held its own congress and re-elected Tony Aziegbemi as chairman.

Addressing delegates at the Wike-backed congress, the PDP South South Vice Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, blamed former Governor Godwin Obaseki for the party’s dwindling fortunes in the state.

Orbih said the PDP’s poor performance in recent by-elections reflected its declining popularity under Obaseki’s leadership.

He urged party members to elect capable individuals who could revive the PDP in Edo State, while dismissing critics who had advised members not to attend the congress.

‘Just yesterday, I saw a statement from some funny characters advising party members not to attend this event. Are you not here?’ Orbih asked. ‘Those who have no moral authority to speak on behalf of the party should keep their mouths shut.’

‘As we prepare to elect our executive, I will appeal to you to vote for those with the capacity to lead this party, not those who will sell out, not those who will deny members their legitimate right

‘As members of our great party. There is no doubt that PDP is going through a leadership crisis, both at the national level and in several other states.

‘Let us not deceive ourselves. For the first time in the history of our great party, we have elected governors of PDP and founding leaders, founding members of this party, leaving this party every day for one simple reason: failure of leadership.

‘Elected governors are leaving. Elected senators are leaving. Elected members of the House are leaving. In Edo state, we know the root of our problem. We had a united party where everybody related with one another as brothers and sisters, until Godwin Obaseki joined our party.

‘Obaseki destroyed our party. He sowed the seeds of discord, deep-rooted seeds of discord in our party. He sinned against the party. He sinned against the people. He sinned against the state.

‘Obaseki came into the party and destroyed everything good in the party. Today, our party’s umbrella is shattered, torn, and we are here today to rebuild the party.

‘What used to put us together as a family was destroyed by Obaseki. He fought every person except himself, and in the end, we are at a very disadvantaged position in the politics of Edo state.’

The new factional chairman promised to reunite the party, saying the PDP would soon begin to win elections again in the state.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, has urged the private sector to play a stronger role in advancing Nigeria’s health system by investing in local production, standardisation, and maintenance of medical equipment.

Speaking at the commissioning of the national secretariat of the Healthcare Equipment and Allied Products Providers Association of Nigeria (HEPAN) in Abuja during the weekend, Salako said the association’s initiative aligns with the government’s Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which focuses on improving governance, access to care, and health security through the industrialisation of the health sector.

The event brought together key government officials, professional bodies, and private sector players to explore strategies for ensuring that only certified and calibrated medical equipment is used across healthcare facilities nationwide.

Salako urged HEPAN members to contribute actively to unlocking the health value chain by ensuring the availability of quality infrastructure, equipment, and diagnostics.

He stressed that accurate diagnosis and effective treatment depend on the use of reliable and well-maintained medical technologies.

He encouraged the association to reduce equipment downtime in hospitals through regular training and partnerships with service users, saying, ‘The journey towards achieving zero use of substandard medical equipment and reagents requires your full and undiluted commitment’.

Reaffirming government’s support for public-private partnerships, Salako noted that Nigeria is promoting self-reliance in the production of medical technology, while pointing out that the Presidential Executive Order of June 28, 2024, which eliminated tariffs, import duties, and VAT on vital raw materials, offers a strong incentive for local manufacturing.

The Minister commended HEPAN’s leadership for its commitment to quality health service delivery, noting that Nigeria remains open for business and domestic manufacturing in the journey towards universal health coverage.

On her part, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, described the commissioning as a key milestone for quality healthcare delivery in the FCT and beyond.

She said, ‘The Secretariat and the association stand for standards in medical equipment, calibration, and sourcing of quality and standardised equipment.

‘Such standards form the bedrock of accurate medical outcomes. The results from your tests drive the kind of treatment and drugs patients receive, this is why standardisation is critical to achieving reliable healthcare outcomes’.

Represented by Pharmacist Boniface Ikwu, the Mandate Secretary pledged the FCTA’s continued collaboration with HEPAN to strengthen local capacity, promote quality assurance, and ensure regulatory compliance in the medical equipment sector.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the FCT chapter of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Musa Wazani, praised HEPAN for fostering collaboration among stakeholders and ensuring that only certified medical devices are used in Nigeria.

‘I believe that HEPAN has the capacity to reduce medical tourism to the nearest minimum by ensuring that equipment imported into the country meet Nigerian standards and manufacturers’ specifications.

‘This will also address the trend of patients being referred from one facility to another to repeat tests due to lack of standardisation,’ he said.

Wazani further called on regulatory agencies to validate and verify all medical devices, saying it would maintain the integrity of healthcare services and build trust among patients and healthcare providers.

HEPAN President, Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Nwankwo, said the association was formed to eliminate the importation of fake and substandard medical devices through self-regulation and peer accountability.

‘We decided to organise ourselves to say that the best way to stop the importation of fake medical devices is through internal control. Any external body cannot do that, we know our members,’ he said.

He explained that every member must sign a pledge not to import or distribute substandard products, warning that violators would be permanently expelled.

Nwankwo added that the association’s disciplinary reach covers major equipment markets nationwide, and members are now shifting toward local manufacturing, with new factories opening in Port Harcourt and Anambra soon.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for its pledge to partner with HEPAN to strengthen regulation and ensure compliance.

Some members of the Minority caucus in the House of Representatives under the auspices of Active Minority are set for a show down with their colleagues over plot to remove the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chindan (PDP, Rivers).

About 89 members of the minority caucus have thrown their weight behind Chinda warning that they would resist any attempt to remove him ahead of the planned meeting of the caucus schedules for Monday evening in Abuja.

Notice for the meeting was jointly signed on Sunday, October 5, by Hon. Agbedi Frederick, leader of PDP Caucus, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, leader, LP Caucus, Hon. Muktar Umar-Zakar, NNPP Caucus and Hon. Peter Uzokwe, leader, YPP.

However, three other parties who are members of the caucus, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) are not part of the signatory of those calling for the emergency meeting.

It was titled, ‘Notice of emergency meeting of the minority caucus of the House of Representatives’, and addressed to ‘All Minority Members of the House of Representatives’

The notice read, ‘You are hereby invited to an emergency meeting to discuss recent developments in the minority leadership, particularly to review the lawsuit instituted by Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, against all members of minority parties in the 10th House of Representatives’.

The meeting is scheduled for The Envoy Hotel in Abuja, but as at last night, the venue of the meeting was said to have been changed to Conference Room 028 in the House of Representatives New Building at 8pm.

Chinda had filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja and secured an injunction stopping the Speaker of the House, the Clerk and leadership of National Assembly Grimm accepting any letter purported to have emanated from the minority parties removing him as minority leader.

While Chinda alleged that the only reason advanced by those plotting his removal was his closeness to FCT Minister, Nyelsom Wike, some minority lawmakers are accusing Chinda of not providing leadership and working behind closed doors for the ruling APC.

The Nation gathered last night that the Active Minority group, led by a PDP member from one of the Northern states has been holding series of meeting in Abuja ahead of the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, October 7th.

A member of the Active Minority, who is privy to the meetings and spoke on condition of anonymity said they were prepared to counter the moves by certain interests in the PDP and the ADC bent on replacing Chinda because of his affiliation to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike.

‘We have stumbled on a plot by certain leaders in the PDP and ADC to replace the minority leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda. His only sin is the allegations that he is close to the FCT minister, Chief Wike.

‘But I can assure you, we are ready for those sponsored to come to the floor and execute this insidious plan. Our group, the Active Minority is prepared to resist this because Hon. Chinda has discharged his responsibilities as an opposition leader very well.

‘As I speak with you, the Active Minority has a membership strength of 89 members and more members are identifying with us. Mind you, the entire opposition lawmakers are about 140 and we have an overwhelming majority to counter any undemocratic move’.

When asked about the list of the Active Minority, the lawmaker said ‘We are keeping our identities under wraps until the House resumes. We don’t want to let the cat out of the bag now. Our strategy is also within us until we meet at the battle field’.

SpeKing on why they choose to support the minority leader, the lawmaker said ‘Hon. Chinda’s unwavering commitment to upholding democratic principles and advocating for the rights of the Nigerian people has set him apart as a beacon of hope in times of uncertainty.

‘Chinda has since 2023 vehemently stood against the defection of opposition lawmakers to APC. One of Chinda’s notable contributions lies in his staunch opposition to members of the opposition defecting to the ruling party, citing violations of constitutional provisions and electoral laws.

‘He has always been a strong voice drawing the attention of the leadership to at least obey the law and do what is right.

‘In the face of adversity and resistance, Chinda has stood firm in his convictions, fearlessly challenging the status quo and holding the government accountable for its actions. His vocal stance on critical issues has resonated with many, inspiring a sense of unity and solidarity among those who seek a more just and equitable society.

‘By setting a precedent of integrity and adherence to legal frameworks, he encourages others to follow suit in promoting a fair and transparent governance system. So, why would you suddenly decide to remove such an effective leader from his position because of a flimsy excuse that he’s close to Wike. Why don’t you go and face Wike and leave Chinda alone?

‘Again, Chinda’s relentless pursuit of transparency and accountability underscores the importance of strengthening democratic institutions to foster a resilient system of governance in Nigeria.

‘His dedication to uplifting the voices of the often overlooked in decision-making processes showcases a deep-rooted commitment to inclusivity and representation.

‘Most importantly, Chinda has demonstrated exceptional leadership by spearheading the sponsorship of various bills and motions that address pressing issues facing the nation. So, we cannot allow such an excellent material to be thrown under the bus. All we are saying is Chinda must stay’.

The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has called on Nigerian farmers to embrace biotechnology as a safe, proven, and effective tool for increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring national food security.

Speaking during a Sensitization Workshop on Biotechnology and Biosafety/Farmers Field Day held in Jagwada, Keffi, Nasarawa State, the Director of Agricultural Biotechnology at NBRDA, Dr. Rose Gidado, highlighted the success of the BT Cowpea variety in improving yields and reducing pest-related losses across farms in the country.

Dr. Gidado explained that the workshop was organized to educate farmers who have not yet accessed BT Cowpea seeds and to showcase the remarkable progress recorded by those already cultivating the improved variety.

‘We are here to engage with farmers who have not yet had access to BT Cowpea and to demonstrate what is already on the ground. Our farmer here, Emmanuel, has been growing the variety since 2023 and is now an outgrower for a seed company. He’s doing excellently well,’ she said.

Approved for commercial release in 2019 by the National Variety Release Committee, the BT Cowpea was developed to resist the destructive Maruca pod borer pest.

Dr. Gidado noted that the variety continues to perform exceptionally well, proving the technology’s reliability, environmental safety, and resilience.

‘The technology is working. This variety matures early, is climate-smart, and significantly reduces pesticide use. That means fewer harmful residues in the grains,’ she stated, adding that one of the farmers now exports his BT Cowpea to the United Kingdom, where it has passed all quality checks.

The NBRDA director also cautioned farmers against misinformation about genetically modified organisms (GMOs), emphasizing that biotechnology crops are safe for cultivation and consumption.

‘Nigerian farmers should not run away from this technology. Don’t listen to rumor mongers. GMOs are safe. Look at this farm, it’s full of life. You can see weeds, groundnuts, sorghum, insects, and even ants. Everything is thriving,’ she said.

Describing the BT Cowpea as a testimony of Nigerian scientific success, Dr. Gidado commended the collaboration between NBRDA and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) in promoting biotechnology awareness and outreach across farming communities.

‘We are proud to be part of this success story. We are contributing to Nigeria’s food security and giving farmers access to quality, climate-resilient seeds,’ she added.

One of the host farmers, Mr. Ogenomor Emmanuel, shared his impressive results cultivating BT Cowpea on his 7.7-hectare farm. Beginning with five hectares in 2023, he said he expanded his cultivation area due to the crop’s exceptional performance.

‘For conventional cowpea, you spray pesticides seven to eight times, but with BT Cowpea, once every 15 days is enough. The difference in yield is massive,’ he said.

According to him, while local cowpea varieties produce three to four bags per hectare, the BT Cowpea yields between 21 and 22 bags per hectare, representing a dramatic increase in productivity and income.

Emmanuel also noted the variety’s shorter cooking time and resilience.

‘It cooks in about 35 to 40 minutes, unlike the local beans that take up to three hours,’ he explained.

Since October 2024, Emmanuel has been exporting BT Cowpea to buyers in the UK and the US, earning double what he would have made in local markets. He attributed the high demand to the grain’s purity and cleanliness, even during the rainy season.

‘Some farmers said it’s impossible to have clean beans during the rainy season, but BT Cowpea has proven otherwise. It can even be planted two to three times a year-that’s how resilient it is,’ he said, noting that he harvested 7.6 tons from five hectares in his first season.

Another participant, Master Balat Ishaya, a farmer from Kaduna State, described the workshop as a game-changer that could revolutionize farming if scaled across Nigeria.

‘This workshop is an eye-opener. If such programs reach more rural communities, it will replace the primitive way of farming and boost productivity. More productivity means more development,’ he said.

He emphasised that wider adoption of biotechnology could accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward food sufficiency and economic growth, noting that ‘a nation with enough food for its people is a nation on the path to prosperity.’

The NBRDA Sensitisation Workshop forms part of the agency’s ongoing national campaign to promote the safe adoption of biotechnology and biosafety practices.

It aims to empower farmers with innovative tools to improve yields, increase incomes, and strengthen Nigeria’s food system through science-driven agriculture.