Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Nnimmo Bassey, yesterday, appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the importation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) foods, saying they contain chemical components that pose serious environmental and health threats to Nigerians.
The environmental activist also tasked governments at all level to stop the campaign for Nigerians to embrace GMOs. Speaking in Benin city during a national convergence/food fair organised by HOMEF titled, ‘Transforming the Nigerian Food System’, Bassey said the forum aims at celebrating local foods, the country’s cultural diversity and rich biodiversity.
Lamenting the dangers of consuming GMOs foods, he alleged that the government was forcing farmers and Nigerians to embrace GMOs despite the fact that they are capable of compromising the environment and health of Nigerians. He solicited the support of all and sundry, particularly farmers, to reject GMOs and promote African foods.
Bassey said artificial and processed food were unhealthy, urging Nigerians to eat healthy, particularly cooked foods.
“Our food is our culture, our food is our identity. GMOs foods are not good for us.
They pose serious environmental and health challenges. They do nothing good to our human body. Government must stop forcing us to buy and eat what will kill us.
“Artificial food causes addiction, particularly among children. So, I urge you to eat what will enhance your health. Some of the fast foods contain dangerous chemicals, which can kill slowly. Please stay away from such foods to stay healthy,” Bassey said.
