A US-based Nigerian scientist, Bamidele Gbayisemore, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invest more in biotechnology in order to stimulate growth in the sliding economy of Nigeria.
Mr Gbayisemore, a biochemical toxicologist, said that embracing biotechnology will transform the economy of Nigeria and make her a less import-dependent country because of the expanded scope and diversity in it.
Speaking at the sideline during the Association of Nigerian Physicians in America (ANPA)’s 2023 Annual Meeting in New York, United States, Mr. Gbayisemore stressed the multiplier effects of Biotechnology to President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
“I took time to study the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and I would love to plead with the President to invest more in Biotechnology.
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“This is because the field has had a significant impact on many areas of society, from medicine to agriculture to environmental science. Unfortunately, Nigeria has not invested so much in this branch of science, despite the expanded scope and diversity in it.
“For instance, Biotechnology has also been used to address environmental challenges, such as developing biodegradable plastics and using microorganisms to clean up contaminated sites.
“Also, the applications of biotechnology are diverse and have led to the development of essential products like life-saving drugs, biofuels, genetically modified crops, and the innovations of other prime products. All these advantages will transform Nigeria into a less import-dependent nation.” Mr. Gbayisemore stated.
Stressing the use of Biotechnological in pharmaceutical drug research and development, the Biochemical Toxicologist added, “Today approximately 15 % of drug revenues are derived from biopharmaceuticals. The most relevant indications are oncology, metabolic disorders and disorders of the musculoskeletal system and myocardial infarction. Biotechnology helps the pharmaceutical industry to develop new products, new processes, methods and services and to improve existing ones.”
Biotechnology is the use of biology to develop new products, methods and organisms intended to improve human health and society. It involves the integration of natural sciences and engineering sciences in order to achieve the application of organisms, cells, parts thereof and molecular analogues for products and services.
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