info@pecan.ng
The Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) recently marked its 30th anniversary with an impactful ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of The Providence by Mantis Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The event brought together top stakeholders in public health, pest management professionals, philanthropists, and government officials to celebrate the association’s achievements and chart a renewed course for malaria elimination in Nigeria.
Presiding as Chairman of the event, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo commended PECAN for its resilience and consistency over the past three decades. He applauded the association for its commitment to professional pest management and urged members to maintain high standards of conduct as they carry out their duties. One of the key highlights of the event was the installation of Mr. Kunle Williams as the new President of PECAN, marking a new chapter in the association’s leadership.
The theme of the celebration, “Malaria Elimination Through Effective Vector Management,” set the tone for discussions around innovative approaches to tackling malaria across Nigeria. The event also featured the launch of a ₦50 million campaign fund dedicated to mosquito control programmes in rural communities, underscoring PECAN’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.
A major moment of the day was the keynote lecture delivered by Prof. Ayo Awolola, a renowned Public Health Entomologist from the University of Lagos. Speaking on Effective Vector Management as a Panacea for Malaria Control, Prof. Awolola emphasized that malaria cannot be eradicated by mosquito control alone. According to him, “There will always be mosquitoes. What we need is a strong health system and an integrated vector management approach that targets mosquito larvae, pupae, and adult stages, alongside a resilient health infrastructure.”
The event reached its peak with the conferment of distinguished awards. Chief Michael Ade-Ojo and the Aliko Dangote Foundation were honored as Grand Malaria Vector Partners (GMVP) for their contributions to malaria control efforts. Several notable individuals were also recognized as Malaria Vector Partners (MVP). Among the awardees were:
- Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Wife of the Lagos State Governor (represented by Mrs. Gbenga Omotoso)
- Dr. Chioma Amajoh (Mama Malaria), Registrar, Environmental Health Registration Council of Nigeria
- Dr. Dominic Abonyi, National President, EHOAN
- Sanitarian (Dr.) Sam Akingbeyin, MD, Refuse Management Board, Kano
- Hon. Abdullahi Gwarzo
- Barr. (Mrs.) Patience Dappa, Chairman, Harvetfield Industries Limited
- Prince Martins Awofisayo
- Alhaji Mohammed Bambado, Sarkin Fulani of Lagos
- Prof. Sam Awolola
- Ayo Ogunyadeeka, Immediate Past President, PCO
- Mr. Timothy Osulale Olawale, Director-General, NECA
The event not only celebrated milestones but also reinforced the urgent need for collective action in the fight against malaria. With renewed leadership, strengthened partnerships, and strategic investment in vector management, PECAN continues to position itself at the forefront of public health protection in Nigeria.