By correspondent in Abuja.
Environmental and biosafety stakeholders gathered in Abuja on Thursday to pay tribute to the late Prof. Diran Makinde, a prominent figure who significantly advanced biosafety frameworks across Africa.
Makinde, who passed away at 70, was the former Head of the African Biosafety Network of Expertise (ABNE).
Dr. Rufus Ebegba, Founder of the Rufus Ebegba Centre for Leadership and Environmental Sustainability (RECLES), highlighted Makinde’s substantial impact on the development of biosafety systems throughout the continent.
The memorial lecture, organized by RECLES in collaboration with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), celebrated Makinde’s legacy.
“In recognition of his role as one of Africa’s foremost icons in biosafety, we’re gathering here to honour him as a dear friend.
‘His contributions to science, technology, and innovation, alongside his work to embed comprehensive biosafety systems, helped drive economic and social development in Africa,” Ebegba said.
Before Makinde’s intervention, the ‘African Biosafety Model Law,’ adopted by several African Union member states, had led to regulatory systems that proved ineffective.
His work helped reshape the landscape, enabling innovation while maintaining strict but feasible biotechnology regulations that fostered economic growth and agricultural development.
Dr. Jean-Baptiste Tignegre, AATF representative of West Africa, praised Makinde’s lasting impact on the continent’s biosafety policies, acknowledging the depth of his contributions.
Prof. Jeremy Ouedraogo, Head of ABNE and Makinde’s successor, commended his predecessor for laying a solid foundation that continues to drive biosafety efforts in West Africa.
Dr. Agnes Asagbra, Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), represented by Mr. Abisabo Adamu, Principal Scientific Officer at NBMA, reiterated that Makinde’s visionary leadership would never be forgotten.
“He was instrumental in addressing some of Africa’s most urgent issues through biosafety and biotechnology,” she said.
Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), emphasized the importance of celebrating Makinde’s life and legacy.
Mustapha, represented by Dr. Rose Gidado, Director of Agricultural Biotechnology, stressed that his achievements continue to inspire efforts in advancing biosafety across Africa.
Prof. Olamide Makinde, the late professor’s daughter, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the stakeholders for organizing the memorial lecture, adding that her father’s dedication to Africa and biosafety was unwavering.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
