C'River Pledges Support For Bio-terrorism Research

The Cross River State government has committed to supporting researches aimed at finding solutions to the prevention and management of biosecurity and bioterrorism in the state.

Commissioner for Science and Technology,  Dr. Justin Beshel made the pledge during a three-day bio-terrorism capacity building workshop organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology for security personnel in the state. 

The workshop themed: "Biosecurity and Bioterrorism Within the context of Positive Development, held between 10th-13th of November, 2024, according to Beshel, was aimed at enlightening participants on when and how to deploy biological weapons such as virus and bacteria toxins to fights bio crimes.

Beshel explained that boiterrorism is attack usually perpetrated through the spread of biological agents in food, water and air, deliberately to cause death and sicknesses in people,  plants and animals.

According to him, "I want to thank the Honourable Minister of Innovation,  Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji for the partnership opportunities he has accorded Cross River.  This is the second time he is sending a team from Abuja to come and train people in the state.  Security is a global challenge therefore whatever is done to mitigate it should be appreciated".

The Commissioner charged the participants to use the additional knowledge gained from the workshop to improve their service delivery in the state. 

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology,  Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye who was represented by the Director,  Bio Resources Department,  Engr. Isaac Nnamdi said that biological weapons have the potentials to trigger colossal loss of lives and instill fear and panic in the world.

Asanye said bio agents are highly contagious therefore it is necessary to continue to train people on how how to mitigate them.

Some participants who spoke commended the Governor, Bassey Otu and the federal government for organising the capacity building workshop.