Good morning, distinguished members of the press, esteemed colleagues, and valued guests. I am honored to stand before you today on behalf of OncoGenomics to announce a ground breaking advancement in genetic testing here in Nigeria. This moment represents not just a milestone for OncoGenomics but a significant leap forward for the entire healthcare and legal ecosystem in our nation.

Today, we are proud to unveil Nigeria’s first paternity testing service powered by Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology. With this innovation, we are not only redefining the standards of accuracy and reliability in paternity testing but also ensuring that Nigerians have access to world-class diagnostic services right here at
home.

Why NGS?

Traditionally, paternity testing has relied on Conventional Electrophoresis (CE),
which, while effective, has limitations in terms of resolution and accuracy. At
OncoGenomics, we have chosen to embrace Next-Generation Sequencing technology because it represents the pinnacle of precision, reliability, and innovation.

Let me briefly highlight why NGS is a game-changer:

Unmatched Accuracy: By analyzing thousands of genetic markers ratherthan just a limited number of loci, NGS provides a resolution that leaves noroom for ambiguity. This ensures results with a probability of paternity exceeding 99.999%, the gold standard worldwide.

Robustness in Complex Cases: Whether it is handling degraded DNA, lowquality samples, or resolving cases involving close relatives, NGS outperformsall previous technologies. This makes it ideal for Nigeria’s diverse needs, fromfamily reconciliation to legal disputes.

Efficiency and Speed: With in-country testing using NGS, we eliminate the delays and costs associated with sending samples abroad. Nigerians can now access faster, more reliable results without compromising quality.

Ethical and Privacy Assurance: By keeping samples and testing processes local, we ensure the highest levels of confidentiality and data security. Families and individuals can trust that their information is handled with utmost care and professionalism.

Here is How NGS compares to CE

Impact on Nigeria

This innovation is not just about introducing new technology; it is about empowering Nigerians. Here’s how:
Keeping Samples Local and reducing forex burden: For decades, Nigerian shave had to send their samples overseas for advanced testing. This is no longer the case. Our NGS laboratory ensures that cutting-edge services are available within our borders.
Affordable Access: By localizing testing, we are making this technology accessible and affordable, removing the financial barriers that have historically excluded many Nigerians.
Strengthening Legal and Social Systems: Reliable paternity testing plays acrucial role in legal cases, family reunification, and social stability. Our NGS based service provides the clarity and trust needed for these sensitive matters. We are local and can be held accountable unlike laboratories abroad.

Our Motivation to Venture into Paternity Testing

1. Personal Drive to Address a Significant Need:
   We were motivated by the gap observed in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, where paternity testing relied heavily on sending samples abroad, leading to delays, increased costs, and privacy concerns. Families and individuals deserve accurate and reliable answers without the additional
   burden of time and expense.
   
2. Passion for Empowering Families and Strengthening Relationships:
   Paternity testing is not just about science; it’s about providing clarity, peace of mind, andsolutions to issues that deeply affect families. We wanted to be a part of the journey that helps individuals find answers and build stronger familial bonds.
   
3. Leveraging Technology to Advance Local Solutions:
   Nigeria has immense potential to adopt and lead in cutting-edge technologies like Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Our vision was to bring this advanced technology home to provide faster, more accurate, and affordable solutions, ensuring that we no longer rely on external systems for answers to personal and legal questions.
   
4. A Commitment to Ethical Practices and Data Privacy:
   Paternity testing carries profound ethical implications. My goal was to establish a service that prioritizes the confidentiality, dignity, and respect of every client, ensuring they feel secure and supported through every step of the process.
   
5. A Desire to Normalize and Demystify Paternity Testing:
   In Nigeria, there is often skepticism and stigma surrounding paternity testing. We saw an opportunity to normalize this vital service by providing education, transparency, and ethical care, demonstrating its importance for family harmony, legal clarity, and societal trust.
   
6. Contribution to Nation-Building and Healthcare Innovation:
   By localizing paternity testing with advanced technology, I aim to not only create jobs and build local expertise but also position Nigeria as a leader in genomic and diagnostic advancements in Africa.

Ethical Considerations

We understand that paternity testing is a deeply personal and sensitive matter. That is why we pioneered NGS with its unparalleled accuracy to reduce the chances of misattribution, mitigating the emotional and social consequences of incorrect paternity results.

At OncoGenomics, we are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards. Every test conducted in our lab adheres to strict privacy protocols and international quality standards. Our goal is to ensure that families and individuals feel secure and respected throughout the process.

Looking Ahead

The introduction of NGS-based paternity testing is just the beginning. At
OncoGenomics, we are dedicated to leveraging genomic science to address Nigeria’s healthcare challenges. Whether it is advancing cancer diagnostics, enabling personalized medicine, or supporting forensic investigations, our mission is to bring innovative solutions to every Nigerian household.

Call to Action

Today, I call on Nigerians to embrace this innovation. Whether for personal, legal, or medical reasons, paternity testing is now more accessible, accurate, and affordable than ever before. Together, let us take pride in this achievement and lead Africa in the adoption of world-class genetic solutions.

Closing Remarks

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a moment of pride and progress for Nigeria. At
OncoGenomics, we believe in the power of science to transform lives and societies.
With the launch of NGS-based paternity testing, we are not just introducing a new service; we are setting a new standard for healthcare in Nigeria.
Thank you for being part of this historic occasion. Together, we are building a future where every Nigerian has access to reliable, ethical, and advanced genetic testing. I am now happy to take your questions.
End of Speech