No fewer than 54 scientists, researchers and policy makers have been scheduled to share their wealth of knowledge in biotechnology and related fields as the maiden edition of International Conference on Biotechnology (ICOB 2024) hosted by Nigeria’s Biotechnology agency, the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) opens today in Abuja.
The speakers including, biotechnologists, biorisk experts, Geneticists, Environmental scientists, and experts in bio-processing pooled from research and academic institutions across the country shall be leading discussions that seek to explore the transformative potential of biotechnology in driving Nigeria’s economic growth.
They shall also be addressing some of the issues relating to modern agricultural biotechnology, including Genetic Modification, which has dominated the public discuss, especially after the launch of TELA Maize in Nigeria.
The five-day conference holding at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Centre in Abuja will provide the country the opportunity to also showcase and promote the biotechnology potentials.
With a focus on the theme, “Biotechnology as an Engine for Economic Growth,” the conference will explore pivotal sectors such as Agriculture for improved crop yields and sustainable food security, Health for better disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention outcomes and Environment with a view to exploring biotechnology solutions for conservation, pollution mitigation, and better response to climate change.
