Aproko Doctor Under Fire for Alleged GMO Endorsement Tied to Bill Gates”
Popular Nigerian medical influencer and healthcare advocate, Dr. Chinonso Egemba, widely known as Aproko Doctor, has found himself at the center of a growing controversy on social media after being accused of allegedly selling out to foreign interests by promoting genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The backlash emerged shortly after Aproko Doctor released a video where he openly endorsed the use of GMOs, describing them as safe and beneficial innovations that could help combat hunger and food insecurity in Nigeria. The video quickly went viral, triggering intense reactions from followers and critics alike.
As the online debate escalated, photos of Aproko Doctor from a previous engagement where he met with billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates resurfaced online. Gates, a well-known supporter and financier of GMO-based agricultural interventions across Africa, has long been associated with major biotech initiatives and philanthropic investments into genetically engineered seeds and crops. The timing of the resurfaced images and Egemba’s pro-GMO stance led to widespread allegations that he had become a paid mouthpiece for international interests looking to push GMO adoption in Nigeria, regardless of the potential long-term consequences.
On platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, users accused Egemba of being selective with facts, pointing out that his commentary did not include any mention of the environmental, health, or socio-economic implications associated with GMOs. Critics expressed concern that his large influence and public trust were being weaponized to sell a one-sided narrative that glosses over important risks. Many Nigerians voiced fear that GMO dependency could lead to devastating consequences for the country’s agriculture sector, including the erosion of local farming practices, the monopolization of seed supply by foreign corporations, and potential health hazards that have yet to be fully understood or debated in public forums.
While Egemba has not publicly addressed the accusations in detail, the controversy has sparked a much broader debate about Nigeria’s agricultural future and the ethics of scientific advocacy funded or influenced by powerful external figures. Supporters of his message argue that Nigeria, plagued by food insecurity and underperforming agricultural output, stands to benefit significantly from GMO crops that promise higher yields, pest resistance, and climate adaptability. They assert that GMOs, when properly regulated, offer a scientifically sound path to solving hunger in a country where millions remain malnourished.
In response to the controversy, the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) reaffirmed that all genetically modified crops approved for commercial use in Nigeria have passed safety evaluations in line with global standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Codex Alimentarius. However, this has done little to quell public anxiety. Opponents argue that these approvals are often driven by the same global networks pushing for GMO expansion and may not fully reflect the grassroots realities and traditional knowledge systems of Nigerian farmers. They fear the rise of what they call "food colonialism," a situation where foreign biotech companies gain disproportionate control over what Nigerians grow and eat.
Adding to the complexity is the role of communication and social trust. As a respected figure in Nigeria’s health advocacy space, Aproko Doctor’s involvement carries significant weight. This is not the first time public figures in Africa have been called out for allegedly using their platforms to push externally funded narratives. In this case, the backlash suggests that a growing segment of the Nigerian public is demanding transparency, balanced education, and homegrown solutions that prioritize indigenous farming methods over imported technologies, no matter how scientifically advanced they may appear.
The controversy underscores a larger ideological conflict between the promise of biotech solutions for Africa’s development challenges and the deep skepticism many citizens feel toward Western-funded interventions. As the dust continues to rise, one thing is clear: the future of food in Nigeria is not just a question of science, but of sovereignty, trust, and who truly gets to shape the narrative.
0 comments:
Post a Comment