By Lawal Abimbola Quadri (U19MM1173)
From the halls of academia to the chaotic streets of X (formerly Twitter), one hot button issue is dividing the timeline like never before: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). While some scientists advocate for innovation and food security, others scream foul play, invoking fears of cancer, infertility, and foreign control.
When Aproko Doctor, one of Nigeria’s most-followed health influencers, weighed in, the debate turned nuclear.
“There is no credible evidence that GMOs cause cancer. Let’s not weaponize fear against science.”View tweet
That tweet alone sparked over 15,000 replies and quote tweets, with sharp divisions between medical professionals, anti-GMO advocates, and cultural critics.
“You people don’t want to be wise. GMO is for population control and not about feeding the world. You’ll learn the hard way.”@GeneralSnow_ Tweet
“Africa should not be used as a testing ground for foreign biotech. Our food system doesn’t need GMOs. It needs funding and respect.”@HealthHustlerNG Thread
Meanwhile, Twitter Spaces hosted by science communicators like Dr. Chioma Okeke and FoodFactsNaija tried to calm the storm with evidence-based discussions. One major takeaway from those Spaces was this:
But many aren’t buying it. Cultural activists warn that once we normalize lab-grown crops, indigenous farming will die off — along with seed sovereignty and food culture.
Trending Hashtags:
#SayNoToGMO #ScienceNotFear #AfricaFeedsAfricaExpert Perspective:
Prof. Fatima Musa, a molecular biologist at ABU Zaria, explains:
“We must not confuse skepticism with ignorance. GMOs, when regulated, are safe. The question should be who controls them not if they’re evil.”Watch Interview
Whether it’s distrust of Western biotech firms, genuine health concerns, or cultural preservation, the GMO debate is far from over. But one thing is certain, the internet has turned it from a lab issue to a street fight. And everyone has picked a side.