Ekpoma-The Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma-Edo State has hosted the 4th Edition of the National Biosafety Conference (NBC), with participants stressing the relevance biosafety to the growth of Nigerian economy.

The vice chancellor of the Ambrose Alli University, Prof. Ignatius Omimawo delivered the keynote address, and was subsequently handed certificate of chairmanship of National Biosafety Conference from 2018 to 2019 by Director-General of National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr. Rufus Ebegba.

The conference which had as its theme: “Biosafety Management in a Diversified Economy”, received goodwill messages from several dignitaries including the Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Monday Osaigbovo.

In his welcome remarks, the NBMA DG, Dr. Rufus Ebegba said the theme of the conference was not only apt, but was relevant to the federal government’s focus on diversifying the nation’s economy through various sectors, agriculture in particular.

According to him, the easiest way to achieve economic growth, food security and sufficiency, as well as sustainable environment, was innovation and adaptation of safe smart scientific and technological means of maximizing available land resources to increase food and fibre production.

He said the conference was organized to enable scientists, line government institutions, NGOs and other stakeholders, within and outside Nigeria to cross fertilize ideas to foster holistic biosafety management in the country.

Ebegba assured Nigerians that the nationals Biosafety Management Agency ensure the protection of their health and environment on matters of GMOs.

The conference later went into technical session.