The Catholic Diocese of Jalingo has raised very strong concerns over the environmental and health threats of improved seedlings to human life, stressing that the country should strive to preserve its local varieties. Most Rev. (Dr.) Charles Hammawa, Bishop of the Diocese of Jalingo related the Church’s position in a statement entitled, “The Hidden Dangers of improved seedings: Why We must preserve our local varieties,” jointly signed by him and Rev. Fr. Clement Ignatius Tiba, Coordinator, Justice, Development and Peace Commission of the Diocese.
Expressing disappointment over the release of improved seedlings, the prelate noted that this strategy aimed at addressing food insufficiency in the country militates against the practice of integrity. The statement read in parts, “As a Church, we are concerned about our people’s socio-economic and political freedom. While the Church welcomes scientific and technological advancement/growth to improve human life in general, she is also interested in upholding integral human development, sanctity and integrity. The Diocese expressed its discontentment, “Recent advancements are however questionable in preserving the above ideals.”
Bishop Hammawa advised government to essentially consider the potential consequences of relying solely on improved seedlings as it strives to improve the nation’s agricultural practices and increase yields. “While they may promise higher yields and disease resistance, they also pose significant risks to our environment, health, and local traditions,” he remarked. Amid concerns over the adoption of Genetically Modified Crops (GMO) in Nigeria, the federal government recently launched Tela maize, a genetically modified crop hailed by its proponents as a revolutionary solution to the country’s food security challenges. However, criticisms have continued to trail the country’s approval of GMO corn for planting with many interrogating its safety, environmental impact, and potential effects on the country’s sovereignty, food security and economy.
The prelate said that there are many challenges associated with improved seedlings. The Diocese claimed that “Improved seedlings can lead to: Loss of genetic diversity, making our crops more vulnerable to disease and reducing their ability to adapt to changing conditions; decreased flavour and nutritional content, compromising the quality of our food; unknown long-term effects on human health and the environment along with other negative effects.” Bishop Hammawa emphasised that Nigeria cannot continue to rely on breeders from other parts of the world for sustainably enhanced food production systems. “
Over-dependence on this foreign chemical laboratory manufactured seeds can result to eventual slavery; one cannot preserve it for another farming season. And many other negative effects,” he noted. The statement further read in parts, “In contrast, our local seedlings have been carefully selected and adapted over generations to thrive in our specific climate and soil conditions. They are:
• Resilient and adaptable, requiring minimal external inputs. • Rich in genetic diversity, ensuring their long-term sustainability.
• Nutrient-rich and flavourful, providing wholesome food/organic food for our communities.
• An integral part of our cultural heritage, preserving our traditions and history.
The high ranking cleric admonished the federal government not to abandon the local seedlings for the sake of shortterm gains, but rather preserve and promote the country’s local varieties, support sustainable agricultural practices and embrace its cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. Bishop Hammawa urged Nigerians to collectively ensure a healthier, more resilient food system that will benefit the country’s respective communities and environment for generations to come.
