Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics),

FUAM, Prof J.A. Ayoade delivering the

welcome speech on behalf of the Vice

Chancellor, FUAM

Page 1

NSPP NEWSLETTER

An official publication of the Nigerian Society for

Plant Protection: March Edition, Volume 5(1) 2017

Makurdi hosted the 42nd

Annual

Conference of NSPP

Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM) hosted the 42nd

Annual Conference of the Nigerian

Society of Plant Protection (NSPP) with

the theme: “Remodelling Plant

Protection Research in Nigeria:

Prospects, Challenges and Implications

on National Food Security” between

12th

and 16th

of March, 2017.

The Conference keynote address was

presented by Prof. A.D. Akpa, an erudite

scholar with Ahmadu Bello University,

Zaria. A total of 152 persons

participated during the Opening

Ceremony which was officially opened by the Vice Chancellor

(FUAM), Prof E.I. Kucha, who was well-represented by the Deputy

Vice Chancellor (Academics), FUAM, Prof J.A. Ayoade. His

Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Chief (Dr.)

Samuel Ortom sent his goodwill message and magnanimous support

through his Chief of Staff, Hon. (Pst.) Terwase Orbunde.

Participants were drawn from various fields of Crop protection

including virology, mycology, bacteriology, nematology, entomology,

weed science and other related sciences. Lead papers were presented

by Prof S.O. Afolami (VC, Augustine University, Epe and former

President of NSPP), Prof. (Mrs) K.B. Farauta (Hon. Commissioner of

Education, Adamawa State) and Prof. A.T. Adekunle (University of

Benin). It was indeed an unforgettable experience.

Desk of the Newsletter Editor

It gives me great delight to welcome you

to this issue of Nigerian Society for Plant

Protection (NSPP) Newsletter. It is our

mandate to furnish readers with recent

happenings within NSPP as well as

provide information that will promote

the science of Crop Protection in Nigeria

and by extension, the world.

The contents of this Edition largely

mirror-in on highlights of the 42nd

Annual Conference of NSPP held at

Federal University of Agriculture,

Makurdi, Benue State in addition to other

updates.

Information sharing is a core

requirement for our professional

advancement and I kindly urge you to

send your entries to enrich the contents

of subsequent Editions. Please send your

newsletter entries to

nsppnews@gmail.com. Contributions

for June Edition is on already so take

advantage of this opportunity. We will be

glad to receive feedbacks from you to

help us improve the contents and quality

of subsequent Editions. I look forward to

your contributions. Enjoy your reading.

Chris O. ECHE

RECAP:

Keynote Address (Prof. (Chief) A.D. Akpa: Remodelling Plant Protection Research in Nigeria: Prospects, Challenges and

Implications on National Food Security.

Lead Papers:

Prof. S.O. Afolami: Plant Protection Policy in Nigeria: Advocacy of a Different Kind

Prof. (Mrs) K.B. Farauta: Capacity building in Plant Protection Consultancy Services

Prof. A.T. Adekunle: Plant Protection Research in Nigeria: An Appraisal

Group Photograph of some Conference Participants at the 42nd Annual Conference of NSPP

President of NSPP, Prof. (Mrs) O. Alabi delivering her presidential

address at the Conference

Caught in the act; Prof. J.A. Ayoade, DVC (Academics) FUAM and

Hon. (Pst.) Terwase Orbunde, Chief of Staff, Benue State having a

good laugh

Cross-section of participants during the Opening Ceremony

Vice Chancellor, Augustine University, Epe Prof. S.O. Afolami and

his wife

Page 2

PHOTO GALLERY…

Dean, College of Agronomy and Chairman of Local

Organizing Committee, Prof. E.J. Ekefan welcoming

participants

That moment when friends reconnect: (L-R): Prof.

(Mrs) A. Malgwi, Dr (Mrs) E. Okoroafor, Prof. (Mrs)

A.B. Zarafi and Dr. (Mrs) J.I. Oluwatayo (standing).

Exchange of pleasantaries between NSPP President, Prof.

(Mrs) O. Afolabi and former Ag. Vice Chancellor, FUAM,

Prof. E.O. Ogunwolu

Cross-section during one of the Technical Sessions (Hall A)

Cross-section during one of the Technical Sessions (Hall B) That moment when friends reconnect: (L-R): Prof. M.U.

Ukwela, Dr M.E. Abo and Prof. F.A. Ajayi Page 3

Ahmadu Bello University Wins Award for Highest Conference

Participation, NSPP-2017

Prof. (Chief) A.D. Akpa

Prof. O.A. Enikuomehin

(L-R): Prof. R.N. Okigbo, Prof. (Mrs) E.C. Chukwu, Prof.

D.B. Olufolaji, Prof. J.J. Atungwu, Prof. (Mrs) O. Alabi,

Prof. (Mrs) A.B. Zarafi and Dr. (Mrs) E. I. Ayo-John

during the Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Cross-section of members during AGM

Cross-section of members during AGM

Page 4

Who the cap fits…

Two distinguished members of NSPP were honoured as Fellows

of Nigerian Society for Plant Protection during the 42nd

Annual

Conference of NSPP at Makurdi. They were Prof (Chief) A.D.

Akpa, a seasoned Bacteriologist resident in the Department of

Crop Protection, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Prof. O.A.

Enikuomehin, The Deputy Vice

Chancellor (Development), Federal

University of Agriculture,

Abeokuta (FUNAAB), a seasoned

Plant Pathologist resident in the

Department of Crop Protection, FUNAAB and current Editor-In-

Chief , Nigerian Journal of Plant Protection (NJPP).

Prof E.J. Ekefan.

Won the First Bank Endowed

Professional Chair in Agronomy.

Federal University of Agriculture,

Makurdi. Prof. T.I. Olabiyi.

Promoted to the rank of Full

Professor.

LAUTECH

Dr. T.S. Anjorin.

Promoted to the rank of

Associate Professor.

University of Abuja

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Swedish International Agricultural Network Initiative (SIANI)

offers seed funding to expert groups that support its vision and

mission to understand emerging issues in food security and

nutrition in low-income countries

http://www.siani.se/news/open-call-new-siani-expert-groups.

July 15, 2017

Pan African University Scholarships for Postgraduate Education.

http://www.acp-hestr.eu/newsroom/pan-african-university-call-

applications-20172018-academic-year. May 31, 2017

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) announced

thirty Netaji Subhas-ICAR international fellowships for doctoral

degrees in agriculture and allied sciences at agricultural

universities and institutions in India and abroad.

http://www.promusa.org/blogpost503-Netaji-Subhas-ICAR-

International-Fellowships. June 15, 2017.

The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing

World (OWSD) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)

are offering postgraduate training fellowships for women

scientists from Sub-Saharan Africa.

https://twas.org/opportunity/owsd-phd-fellowships-women. June

30, 2017.

The Governor of Ogun State,

Senator Ibikunle Amosun has

appointed a Fellow of NSPP,

Professor Ganiyu Olatunde as

Acting Vice-Chancellor, Olabisi

Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.

Page 5

List of Executive members to steer the wheels of NSPP from March, 2017 to March, 2019

S/No. Title Surname Institution Office

1. Prof. Alabi, O. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria President

2. Prof. Atungwu, J.J. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

Vice President

3. Dr. Ayo-John, E.I. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

Secretary

4. Prof. Zarafi, A.B. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Treasurer

5. Prof. Chukwu, E.C. Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Portharcourt

Business Manager

6. Prof. Enikuomehin, O.A. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

Editor-in-Chief

7. Mr Eche, C.O. University of Agriculture, Makurdi Assistant Secretary/Newsletter Editor

8. Dr. Audi, A.H. Bayero University, Kano Zonal Coordinator, North-West

9. Prof. Malgwi, A.M. Moddibo Adama University of Technology, Yola

Zonal Coordinator, North-East

10. Prof. Ekefan, E.J. University of Agriculture, Makurdi Zonal Coordinator, North-Central

11. Dr. Ihejirika, G.O. Federal University of Technology, Owerri

Zonal Coordinator, South-East

12. Dr. Claudius-Cole, A.O. University of Ibadan Zonal Coordinator, South-West

13. Dr. Okweche, S.I. University of Calabar Zonal Coordinator, South-South

NSPP FELICITATES WITH

OUR COLLEAGUES

Dr. (Mrs) E.I. Ayo-John

Page 6

FROM THE TABLE OF THE SECRETARY

On behalf of the President, Executive Council

and entire members of NSPP, we thank the

Chairman of the 42nd

NSPP LOC Prof. E.J.

Ekefan, the LOC Secretary Mr Chris O. Eche,

Chairpersons of sub-committees and other

LOC members for a job well done. The

Society is indeed proud of her members at

Makurdi who spared their time, put in great

efforts and other resources to ensure that the

42nd

conference was successful.

We extend our gratitude to the Host of the

42nd

Conference in person of Engr.

Prof. E.I. Kucha, the Vice Chancellor of the

Federal University of Agriculture, and indeed

other members of the management of the University for the warm

welcome and accommodation and for ensuring a conducive environment

for the conference.

The Chief Host, Governor of Benue State, Chief (Dr.) Samuel Ortom

who was ably represented by the Chief of Staff Hon. (Pst) Terwase

Orbunde for welcoming us in the State and for the tremendous support

received, the Society appreciates the contributions.

We appreciate the invited Speakers, Presidents of "daughter Societies"

PSN, NISON and HORTSON and guests for honouring our invitation

and attendance at the conference.

We extend our special welcome to the 45 New Members who joined the

Society at the Makurdi 2017. They are encouraged to participate in the

Society’s activities, network with other professional colleagues and to be

good ambassadors of the Society.

Hmmmn! and that "Food basket", we had enough from it, yet we

couldn't exhaust it. We were fed with varieties of food and entertained

with the unique dance of the Tiv people, the Executives and members of

NSPP thank you all for that warm hospitality.

The baton of hosting right for the 43rd

conference has been passed to the

great citadel of learning, the premier University of Ibadan. We have no

doubt that it promises to be a rewarding time. Keep your eyes on UI

come March 2018.

We thank the members for the confidence shown on the 2015-2017

Executive members to continue for a second term 2017-2019 to steer the

mantle of Leadership. Mr Chris O. Eche was voted in as the Assistant

Secretary/Newsletter Editor in place of Mr Inusa Ajene who is out of the

Country on study leave. We pray for God’s grace and wisdom to move

the Society to greater heights.

Thank you.

MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION

FOR THE NIGERIAN

JOURNAL OF PLANT

PROTECTION (NJPP)

Manuscripts should be sent

via e-mail (as attachment in

Microsoft word) to the

Editor-in-Chief

adeenikuomehin@yahoo.com

. A scanned copy of the bank

teller for payment of the

handling fee of Three

thousand naira (N3,000.00)

should also be sent along

with the manuscript.

Inquiries about account

details can be made through

+2348033359727.

Submission of a paper will be

held to imply that it reports

original unpublished

research, that it is not under

consideration for publication

elsewhere and that if

accepted. Upon acceptance

the publication fee of

N15,000.00 will be charged

per manuscript.

Advertisement rates can be

obtained from the Editor-in-

Chief.

Acknowledgements:

Executive Council of

NSPP for production of this

issue.

Dr. Adesina J.M. for

links to scholarship websites.

Mr. Isaac Joshua and

Dogara Peter for pictures used

in this issue.

Please send your contributions

to nsppnews@gmail.com for

publication in June Edition

Volume 5(2), 2017.