[PHOTOS] Kwara Assembly Moves Against GMO Seeds to Safeguard Food Security and Address Health Concern

The Kwara State House of Assembly has urged the state government to discourage farmers from planting Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) seeds.

The Assembly warned that GMO seeds widespread adoption could undermine food security and agricultural independence in the state.

At its plenary on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the House debated a motion titled “Need to Discourage Farmers From Planting Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Seeds to Enhance Food Security in Kwara State” (KWHAM 9).

The motion was sponsored by Hon. Mohammed Kareem Musa (Patigi), who led the debate, stressing the health, environmental, and economic risks associated with GMO seeds.

The debate drew strong support from co-sponsors, Ogbeni Seun Ogunniyi (Ojomu Balogun) and Hon. Aishat Olatundun Babatunde Alanamu (Ajikobi/Alanamu).

Ogunniyi, while contributing, argued that reliance on GMO seeds contradicts Kwara’s agricultural self-sufficiency policy.

He warned that farmers who adopt GMO seeds would lose the traditional practice of replanting from previous harvests since such seeds are controlled by foreign companies that require fresh purchases each planting season.

He said this dependency could make local farmers perpetual customers of multinational seed firms, thereby weakening the state’s food sovereignty.

Following extensive deliberations, the Assembly resolved to:

1. Urge the Governor to direct the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, to embark on awareness campaigns on the disadvantages of planting GMO seeds, particularly their effects on human health and the environment.

2. Mandate the 16 local government councils, through the Ministry of Agriculture, to establish demonstration farms in each council to practically showcase the dangers inherent in planting GMO seeds.

3. Direct the 16 local government councils to strengthen the role of agricultural extension workers at the ward level in discouraging the use and adoption of GMO seeds among Kwara farmers.

The Speaker commended the motion and noted its significance to the state’s food security strategy.