Dr. Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, has found himself at the center of a heated debate following his recent advocacy for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Nigerian agriculture. The medical influencer, celebrated for simplifying complex health topics, has faced intense backlash after releasing a 14-minute video addressing the benefits and risks of GMO seeds, particularly in collaboration with global philanthropist Bill Gates. The controversy has ignited discussions across social media, raising concerns about food sovereignty, health risks, and economic implications for Nigerian farmers.
The Genesis of the Saga
On July 23, 2025, Aproko Doctor announced via his X account that he was working on a video to explain GMOs, acknowledging the emotional weight of the topic. The video, released the following day, aimed to demystify GMOs, describing them as seeds scientifically altered to enhance traits like pest resistance and drought tolerance. He argued that GMOs could address Africa’s food security challenges amid a growing population. However, his association with Bill Gates, a known advocate for GMOs, and his perceived minimization of the risks fueled widespread skepticism.
Photos of Aproko Doctor meeting with Gates further amplified the controversy, with critics accusing him of promoting a foreign agenda that could undermine Nigeria’s agricultural independence. The video, intended to educate, instead sparked outrage, with many Nigerians questioning his neutrality and expertise as a medical professional rather than a geneticist.
Public Reactions: A Divided Response
The response on social media, particularly on X, has been polarized. Supporters, like user @GeneralSnow_, praised Aproko Doctor for his detailed explanation, noting that he addressed both the benefits and drawbacks of GMOs. “He doesn’t owe anybody an explanation, so the fact that he went out of his way to educate is commendable,” they wrote. Others, such as @Uchechukwubiaf4, echoed his points, emphasizing GMOs’ potential to boost food security and reduce pesticide use.
However, critics have been vocal. @iMartynz argued that Aproko Doctor’s dismissal of opposing views as “conspiracy theories” was reckless, given his lack of expertise in genetic engineering. @Walters69081013 urged him to retract his statements, citing concerns about GMOs based on personal research conducted 18 years ago. Many expressed fears about patented seeds, which prevent farmers from replanting harvested seeds, forcing them to buy new ones each season—a practice seen as a threat to traditional farming. @chisomincrease highlighted concerns about Gates’ involvement, linking it to his controversial statements on population control.
Key Issues in the Debate
The controversy has brought several critical issues to the forefront:
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Food Sovereignty: Critics argue that GMO seeds, often controlled by biotech giants, could make Nigerian farmers dependent on foreign companies, eroding centuries-old agricultural practices.
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Health Risks: Independent studies cited by opponents suggest potential long-term health effects, including allergies, nutrient deficiencies, and organ damage, though conclusive evidence remains limited.
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Economic Impact: The high cost of GMO seeds and associated pesticides could exacerbate financial burdens on smallholder farmers, especially amidst Nigeria’s existing challenges like insecurity and underfunding.
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Environmental Concerns: Overuse of GMO crops has been linked to superweeds and superpests, increasing reliance on toxic chemicals and threatening biodiversity.
Aproko Doctor’s Defense and Broader Context
In response to the backlash, Aproko Doctor has maintained that his goal was to educate, not to push a pro-GMO agenda. He acknowledged the “bad parts” of GMOs in his video, though critics like Sammy Writes argue he downplayed systemic risks to align with biotech interests. Supporters, including Charles Awuzie, have defended him, criticizing the “chochocho” (gossip) culture and urging Nigerians to focus on building regulatory frameworks for GMOs rather than vilifying him.
The saga has also reignited discussions about Bill Gates’ influence in Nigeria. While his foundation has been credited with initiatives like polio eradication, his public silence on religion and past comments on population control have fueled distrust, with some labeling him a “S@TAN” in religious circles.
Moving Forward
As the debate rages on, Nigerians are calling for more transparency and education on GMOs. Aproko Doctor’s influence as a trusted health advocate has been tested, with many urging him to clarify his stance and disclose any affiliations with biotech entities. The controversy underscores the need for robust public discourse on GMOs, involving scientists, farmers, and policymakers to address Nigeria’s unique agricultural and health challenges.
For now, the “GMO saga” remains a trending topic on X, with users like @Saamu_Eleja suggesting that the outrage may stem more from envy of Aproko Doctor’s success than genuine concerns about GMOs. As Nigeria grapples with food security and economic pressures, the conversation around GMOs is far from over.
