The History
WEMABOD Estate, (a division of ODUA Investment) had a historic meeting with major pest control companies on the 6th of August, 1989 in respect of bidding for a pest control services for their numerous properties spread across Nigeria. At the convergence of the contractors in the waiting room of Wemabod Estate, it dawned on everyone present the need to convey a forum of stakeholders under one umbrella to build a viable Industry in Nigeria. This led to another meeting of all stakeholders in the Pest Control Industry which held in December 1989, in the office of Mrs Olaribigbe Ilori Oluwo in which the executives that will steer ship of the new association was formed and elected.
The Executives were:
- Mr. Olaribigbe Oluwo - President
- Mr. Kayode Odugbogun - Vice President
- Alh. Yekini O Gbadamosi - Treasure
- Mr. O. C Bakare - Secretary General
Monthly meetings were held in the Lagos office of Nigermeri Exterminating Company under the land (perputual succession) act CAP96 (Reg No. 6270).
The set goals and the objectives of the Association were;
- To build a very strong and virile Association, which shall promote the growth and development of pest control industries in Nigeria.
- To create and maintain a clean health practice & pest free environment in residential, Agricultural premises.
- To advocate governmenton steps to take towards threats posed by pests in Agricultural and Public health pests e.g mosquitoes, rodents etc.
- To liase with other corporate bodies, relevant government agencies and stakeholders.
These hardworking gentlemen, under the able leadership of the late President Mr. Oluwo, launched the Pest Control Association (PECAN) on the 22nd of December, 1992 with great pomp and fanfare at MIRAGE RESTAURANT (Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos).
PECAN experienced steady growth and more pest control companies became members of the Association. However, in 1994, the smooth ride and increasing progress of the Association was rudely interrupted by the death of the pioneer president, who was murdered in cold blood in Lagos.
This development slowed the activities of the Association for almost two (2) years. Consequently, on the 31st of May, 1995, another general meeting was convened at the office/residence of the late Dr. T. Coker in Ikeja, where all old executives were dissolved, and new executives were elected:
- Mr. K. Odubogbon – President
- Dr. T. Coker – Vice President
- Mr. N.O. Okonkwo – Secretary General
- Mr. Blessing Kikiowo – Assistant Secretary
- Mr. Rex Umene – Publicity Secretary
- Alh. Gbadamosi – Treasurer
- Mr. O. A. Onanaiye
Upon the assumption of office, it dawned on the new executives that the task of revamping the Association was an uphill one. Meetings were held every last Wednesday of the month where brainstorming and good strategy planning took place in order to move the Association forward to a higher level.
In light of the above, on the 29th & 30th of April, 1997, a two-day workshop was held at the Conference Hall, NERDC Building, Alausa, Ikeja with the theme: ”Total Quality/Pest Management in Food Industry, Hotel, and Public Buildings.”
This singular event brought the Association to the limelight, thus giving PECAN a place of relevance not only in the Environmental Health Sector but also in industries, companies, and other government agencies such as NAFDAC, FEPA, Local Government, etc., to mention a few. At the expiration of the 2nd president’s tenure, other presidents that came on board the Association were as follows:
Names
- Mr. O.C. Bakare (2001 – 2003)
- Late Dr. Tokunbo Coker (2003 – 2011)
- Mr. Ayo Ogunyedeeka (2011 – 2018)
- Mr. Olakunle Williams (November 2018 till date)
PECAN has continued to partner with all notable and relevant stakeholders and regulators in the industry such as EHORECON, LASEPA, EHOAN, NAFDAC, etc.
With the passage of time, PECAN has made giant strides and significant achievements recorded not only in Environmental Health but also in the development of the nation as a whole.