An entomologist, Professor Michael O. Ogunlana has canvassed for the proper harnessing of the economic benefits of insects in our environment.
Professor Ogunlana who is the dean of faculty of Agriculture at IBB University Lapai was speaking on the topic, “Insect and man: friend or foes?” at the University’s first distinguished lecture series. He said that contrary to the erroneous belief that insects are worthless, they actually have immense benefits to human existence.
The don described as unfortunate the high level of ignorance about the value of insects, describing them as fascinating, varied and economically important.
He opined that, 75% of the animal is dominated by the insects while the other 25% is shared around by the rest animals. Some of which he said are beneficial to man in such area as pollination without which we would not have fruits like mango, melon, pumpkin, banana, plantain and a host of others. Commercial products derived from insects such as honey and beeswax which is used in industry in making candles, polish, cosmetics, and certain types of inks. Insects serve as scavengers by feeding on decomposing plants or animals or on dung. Insects is eaten by man such insects like, roasted crickets, roasted termites. Insects is also used in medicine and surgery, one of the most striking role of insects in medicine is the use of blow fly larvae (lucilia sericata) in treating conditions involving decaying tissues.
He brought out an undisclosed branch of entomology or insects study which is fast growing in developed countries called “Forensic Entomology”. This is the application of entomological knowledge to legal matters or issues, especially in law court in litigation involving murder or suicide. With the knowledge of forensic entomology, accurate dating or timing of violent crime such as murder or suicide can be observed from the associated insects on the corpse.
He reiterated that some insects are foes to man, animals and plants such as grasshoppers, earthworms, spider-mite, thrips…; they inject venom by their bites or sting, lives in man as parasites and serves as agents in the transmission of diseases.
The vice chancellor, Prof. Ibrahim Adamu Kolo opened the lecture by congratulating Prof. Ogunlana for being the first to begin the distinguish lecture series, he also added that it’s an avenue where students and like minds can learn from scholarly minds.
Niger state commissioner for science and technology Dr. Mustapha Lemu who chaired the event, commended the quality of professor Ogunlana’s presentation and research. He announced a donation of #200,000 as research grant to the professor’s ongoing research on water melon.
The commissioner for agriculture Alh Ahmed Maitani was also on ground, he asked for the possible way the lecture could be made simpler and available for farmers.
The university’s registrar Mallam Sama’ila Muhammad gave the vote of thank where he thanked those who had come from far and wide, for availing themselves the opportunity to be impacted
