FIC Report (Bayelsa State) – Stakeholders at the Bioresource Development Conference (BDC 2026) have outlined practical strategies for transforming the Niger Delta through regenerative, knowledge-driven and bio-based development.
The Centre Coordinator of the Bioresource Development Centre (BIODEC), Odi, and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, described the conference as a critical platform for generating ideas and actionable plans to unlock the region’s vast potential.
Mustapha, who also serves as Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), commended Prof. Timinipre Turner Isoun for his role in facilitating the establishment of a federal agency to tackle food insecurity, unemployment and environmental challenges—an initiative that led to the creation of BIODEC Odi as a centre of excellence in biotechnology.
He noted that despite being the backbone of Nigeria’s economy through crude oil production, the Niger Delta continues to face youth unemployment, environmental degradation, food insecurity and social unrest. According to him, the region’s true wealth lies in its rich biodiversity, which can be harnessed for sustainable development.
Mustapha explained that BIODEC Odi was established in 2003 under NBRDA as a hub for bioeconomic transformation, bridging science and society by converting research outcomes into sustainable livelihoods. He added that the centre focuses on health advancement, food security, industrial growth and wealth creation through biotechnology.
Representing the Bayelsa State Government, Dr. Bekes Sese, on behalf of the Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Agriculture and Mineral Resources, reaffirmed the state’s readiness to collaborate with BIODEC, noting shared development goals. He disclosed that 140 tons of paddy rice are currently ready for milling to benefit residents.
The conference also examined key regional challenges, including oil spills, gas flaring, climate change and disruptions to agriculture.
In his keynote address, the Vice Chancellor of Bayelsa Medical University, Prof. Dimie Ogoina, emphasized the role of biotechnology in strengthening health and national security. He called for increased investment in infrastructure, human capacity and modern equipment, highlighting the shortage of expertise and the absence of comprehensive biosafety legislation in Nigeria.
“My call to action is to government, academics and institutions to invest more, collaborate more and build capacity to unlock the full potential of biotechnology,” he said.
Earlier, Dr. Timinipre ThankGod Wood described BIODEC Odi as a strategic platform for harnessing the Niger Delta’s biological resources for economic growth. He noted that the centre operates through specialized divisions, including plant and animal biotechnology, bioprocessing, advanced laboratories, bio-entrepreneurship training and bioinformatics, all aimed at translating scientific knowledge into economic value.
Ayayeibo Duncan Zuobom. Assistant Chief Information Officer.
FIC Yenagoa, Bayelsa
8th June 2026
