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Experts Say GMO Poses Food Sovereignty Risk

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Global Prolife Alliance (GPA), a global health organization has again warned that genetically modified organisms (GMO) foods are unsafe for human consumption.

Experts Say GMO Poses Food Sovereignty Risk

GPA also claimed that the promoters of such items have a sinister motive to, ultimately, destroy Nigeria’s food security

Global Prolife Alliance chaired by Dr. Philip Njemanze, has been advocating for the ban of cultivation and distribution of GMO seeds in Nigeria.

In a series of letters to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly, Global Prolife Alliance disclosed that some foreign interests acquired a private army to train mercenaries hired from Africa and beyond to disguise as herdsmen, bandits and insurgents to kill farmers, who are the natural seed growers.

The GPA said, sometime ago, natural seed growers were tracked through technology and killed because natural seed growers were seen as competitors of biotech companies providing GMO foods.

The group said the latest system being advocated by some interested parties “is designed to track the identity and financial records of every Nigerian, to track and kill the most economically viable Nigerians, leaving in the country a people in abject poverty that could easily be controlled.

“The overall strategy is to capture the food security of Nigeria.”

It said some interests had intervened with  deceptive programmes, leading to the death of many seed grower-farmers in Nigeria.

The group further said: “Our agricultural productivity has plummeted. Farmers cannot go to the farm for fear of being killed in their farms. Nigeria is now a nation in hunger, worse than a decade ago before the nefarious activities began.”

The group added that  “GMO seeds deceptively called high-yield improved seeds do not replicate themselves; hence they are called ‘suicide seeds,’ that is, once planted and it grows, you cannot replant the next generation. The farmers have to go to the promoters every planting season to collect new seeds.”

The GPA said that it is at that “point that the promoters intend to dictate their terms to allow Nigerian people to feed on the toxic GMOs. “Meanwhile, because the GMO seeds are planted alongside the natural crops, the cross-pollination would make the natural seed also carry the GMO seed genes rendering them also GMO crops. This has a serious implication: for example, a 1% contamination of the natural crops would make them be classified as GMO; hence they will remain banned from European, Russian, American, and Asian markets.

“Agriculture in Nigeria would stop being a foreign currency earning sector of the economy. The foreigners are killing the Nigerian farmers, not Islamic extremists.”

The GPA said that since 2009, terrorists have been sponsored and branded Boko Haram, bandits and herdsmen to carry out genocide of farmers in Nigeria to capture Nigeria’s food security.

“Consider this, from 2015-2018, 37,500 farmers were killed, 32,000 were Muslims, and 5,500 were Christians. Despite the fact that 85% of the victims were Muslims, the international and local press propaganda mercenary branded it ‘Islamic terrorism.’

“Any attempt to uncover the truth is met by another orchestrated kidnapping of school children for ransom to depict it as criminal activity rather than well coordinated operations of the sponsors and their biotech accomplices. A corrupt set of people within the Nigerian government collaborated with the foreigners’ agenda, committing treason against their motherland. The time to end this is now!

“We urge the National Assembly and FG to ban all GMO seed cultivation and distribution in Nigeria.

“Amend the National Biosafety Management Agency Act 2015 to be based on precautionary principles in the Cartagena protocol.

“Repeal the National Health Act 2014 that authorizes collection of gametes and organs without consent.  “Commence NASS hearings on the national security threat posed by biotech companies and their affiliates in Nigeria.”

The group also noted that GMO foods are banned in Europe.

Mr Nnamdi Cos-Ukwuoma, an agripreneur, posited that GMO is an evil wind and a conspiracy.

He said: “Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) technology seems to defy nature. Nature renews itself. When this natural order is altered through scientific or laboratory-controlled genetic engineering or modification to introduce new traits into an organism (plant or animal) the effect can be catastrophic to humans and the ecology. GMO technology purports to create disease/pest resistant seed varieties and increase yield.

“It is natural that the farmer goes into the farm with seeds that will yield him a bumper harvest for consumption and more than enough for planting in the next farming season. But it is not so with most GMO seeds which never reproduce themselves and make the farmer dependent on the particular source of supply (patent owner and suppliers) year in, year out.

“Despite efforts by the new world order and developers of GMO to adduce seemingly convincing arguments to convince the agri-preneurs that their seeds which have been biochemically altered at the molecular level for their own interest and for reasons only known to them farmers have bluntly resisted accepting their seeds and their baits.

“Reasons include that GMO seeds deny farmers the natural privilege of re-using seeds from their farms or to sell to maximize profit. For instance, cassava stems harvested from some GMO cassava are sterile and cannot be used again. Farmers need to contact the developers for fresh order.

“As a biotechnology product, the development and use of GMO seeds are regulated by various government agencies and international organizations to ensure safety and environmental sustainability.”

He acknowledged that some sources insist that GMO seeds are inherently unstable and have the propensity of causing cancer, reproductive problems, organ damage, allergic reactions, immunosuppression and antibiotics resistance, etc.

Cos-Ukwuoma further said: “In deference to nature, in recent times, farmers have begun to embrace farming practices that support life and the environment. Organic farming is becoming popular among farmers. “But GMO and its protocols contradict practical organic farming and are highly dependent on chemicals for pest control and boosting yield.

“In the opinion of farmers and other major stakeholders, GMO is a conspiracy because its proponents are not seen as transparent in all matters relating to their activities and campaigns. In all, it is shrouded in secrecy.

“Purportedly powered by the new world order, it seems driven by the science of quick, certain and compulsive need for bountiful yields and immediate gratification.

“As a farmer, I shun GMO seeds and all their attractions because to me, they defy the natural order of multiplying seeds and boosting food production as against purely organic farming protocols.

“However, there is no compulsion or force on farmers to embrace GMO seeds. One needs to satisfy himself of his reason to go for these new seed varieties. Natural or organic seeds remain a rational preferred option for farmers.”

Interestingly, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of LoveWorld Incorporated better known as Christ Embassy, has claimed that GMO corns cause hypertension hence it should be avoided.

In a live broadcast during a church programme, Oyakhilome said: “I’m sure many of you who don’t have an idea of organic corn. What it is. Don’t think of the one you’ve been buying in the market, in your local market I mean. Don’t think that one is really organic.

“Most countries don’t have the original corn anymore. It’s one of the earliest genetically modified crops, so most of what you’ve been eating is modified a long time ago.


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ALX Broadens AI Training in Africa

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Pan-African talent accelerator ALX is expanding its footprint and shifting to a fully self-paced learning model to train and integrate young Africans into the workforce, as the global economy reorganises around artificial intelligence (AI).

Partnering with the MasterCard Foundation, the technology training provider and career accelerator designed to equip African talent, says it enables learners to access tech training for $5 a month.

It emphasises a shift in demographics saying that by 2035, more young Africans will enter the workforce annually.

ALX notes that its model has graduated 347,100 learners, with 63% finding employment within six months. Women represent over half of all graduates. To increase flexibility, the organisation emphasises that learning is now entirely self-paced.

“Learners progress through modular blocks, earning credentials as they go, ensuring that the training fits around their existing responsibilities,” says Shana-Michelle Rabonda, Chief Operating Officer of ALX.

Rabonda adds that global employers are taking notice: “We are building a direct pipeline to the global digital economy. When companies look for elite tech talent, they are looking at Africa.”

Due to this demand, firms such as Absa, Stanbic Bank, MTN, and KPMG now employ between 50 and 180 ALX graduates each. Meanwhile, community entrepreneurs have created over 60,100 jobs through AI startups like Signvrse and Edulga.

With Africa’s AI market projected to grow to $16.5 billion by 2030, ALX operates alongside competitors like Moringa School and GoMyCode to secure mindshare.

“With the right skills and networks, young Africans can seize these opportunities,” Rabonda emphasises. “Africa’s youth should not just be consumers of AI; they should be creators shaping innovations that will define the global economy.”


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Swift Network Faces Winding-up Battle over Alleged N115m Debt

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A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the advertisement of a winding-up petition filed against telecommunications service provider, Swift Network Plc, over its alleged inability to settle a debt exceeding N115 million.

The order followed an application filed by Optics and Wireless Limited through its counsel, Bimbo Adebayo-Ogunlaja, urging the court to permit the publication of the winding-up petition instituted against the company.

In the petition, Optics and Wireless Limited alleged that Swift Network Plc is indebted to it in the sum of N115,482,302.88, being the outstanding payment for network devices supplied to the telecommunications firm since April 2024.

The petitioner is also seeking the payment of N70,530,062 as accrued interest arising from a loan facility allegedly obtained to finance the transaction between both parties, as well as general damages for breach of contract.

According to court documents, the dispute arose from a series of transactions carried out between April 2024 and February 2025, during which Swift Network Plc, through its procurement officer, allegedly requested the petitioner to manufacture and supply various network devices based on purchase orders issued by the company.

The petitioner stated that payment for the supplied items was expected either immediately after delivery or within 30 days of supply, but alleged that Swift Network repeatedly failed to honour the agreement despite receiving the products.

Optics and Wireless Limited further claimed that it became apparent after the final order for servers in April 2025 that the respondent was either unwilling or unable to settle the accumulated debt.

The petitioner also informed the court that its solicitors, Messrs Zionla Legal Practitioners & Solicitors, subsequently issued a statutory notice of demand dated December 11, 2025, demanding payment of the outstanding sum and accrued interest.

According to the petitioner, all efforts to recover the debt proved unsuccessful, adding that the situation has exposed the company to serious financial challenges and possible legal action from the bank that allegedly granted it the loan facility used to execute the supply contracts.

Optics and Wireless Limited argued that Swift Network Plc is insolvent and unable to meet its financial obligations, urging the court to wind up the company in line with the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act and the Winding-Up Rules.

Among the reliefs sought, the petitioner asked the court to order that Swift Network Plc be wound up by the court and that any voluntary winding-up process involving the company should continue under the supervision of the court.

Justice Lewis Allagoa subsequently adjourned the matter till July 10 for further hearing.

 


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Simba Infrastructure, Galaxy Backbone Partner to Deliver Hosted Unified Communications and Call Centre Solutions Across Nigeria

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Aminu Usman, Profit Centre Head, SIMBA, Dr. Abdul-Malik Suleiman, GM Strategic Partnerships & Regions, Galaxy Backbone Ravi Bajaj, GM Sales SIMBA and Ramatu Buhari, GM Sales, Galaxy Backbone Limited
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Simba Infrastructure Limited, a leading provider of customer experience and communications technology, has entered into a strategic partnership with Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB), the Federal Government of Nigeria’s ICT infrastructure and shared services provider, to deliver Hosted Unified Communications (UC) and Hosted Call Centre Solutions to organisations across both the public and private sectors.

This collaboration brings together Simba Infrastructure’s deep expertise in converged communication technologies, systems integration, and private-sector engagement with Galaxy Backbone’s trusted government relationships, world-class Tier III and Tier IV data centre infrastructure, and an extensive fibre-optic network spanning 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Together, both organisations will deliver secure, scalable, and cost-effective communication solutions designed to transform how businesses and government institutions engage with customers and citizens.

Under this this partnership, Simba Infrastructure will lead business development efforts within the private sector, delivering tailored Unified Communications and Call Centre solutions aligned with the unique needs of enterprises. Galaxy Backbone, on the other hand, will drive adoption within the public sector, providing secure, locally hosted data centre services that ensure compliance, reliability, and operational efficiency.

Commenting on the partnership, Sanjay Vaswani, Director at Simba Infrastructure said: ”Simba is pleased to mark this first phase of collaboration, with a long-term vision of deploying fully localized, AI-driven technologies that enable developers to build and scale using Naira-based solutions.

“While Aminu Usman, Profit Centre Head at Simba Infrastructure tressed on the fact that partnering with Galaxy Backbone will marks a significant milestone in our mission to deliver innovative, cloud-based communication solutions to Nigerian organizations.

“By combining Galaxy Backbone’s robust infrastructure and strong public sector presence with Simba’s customer-centric approach and technological expertise, we are creating a powerful platform to drive digital transformation and business growth.”

Also speaking, the GM Strategic Partnerships & Regional Business, Galaxy Backbone Limited,  Abdul-Malik Suleiman noted; “Galaxy Backbone remains committed to advancing digital inclusion, secure communication, and reliable ICT services across Nigeria. Our partnership with Simba Infrastructure strengthens our ability to deliver innovative, locally hosted Unified Communications and Call Centre solutions that will benefit both public and private sector organisations.”

This partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda by equipping organisations with the tools to enhance collaboration, streamline communication, and improve customer experience—while ensuring that critical data remains securely hosted within Nigeria.

 


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