FEATURED NEWS
Zoologists Deliberate on Nigeria’s Economic Dev at Annual Confab
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- Published: 28 November 2021
By Humphrey Ogu
Deliberations on the roles Zoologists could play in economic development of Nigeria was the thrust of 14th Annual Conference of the Zoological Society of Nigeria (ZSN) in University of Port Harcourt. The Conference, which held at Ebitimi Banigo Auditorium, from Tuesday, November 9, to Thursday, November 11, 2021, had “The Role of Zoology in the Economic Development of Nigeria in the 21st Century”, as its theme.
Declaring the Conference open, Vice Chancellor, Professor Owunari Georgewill, who welcomed the conferees to the University, described Zoology as one of the core Biological Sciences that has become popular over the years. Represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Development), Professor Iyeopu Siminialayi, the Vice Chancellor, said: “Beyond food and nutrition needs of our nation, Zoology can tell us what we can export, what marine industries we can create, what creatures we should look at more closely, and what species are facing extinction and need urgent attention in terms of preservation.”
In his address, outgoing ZSN President, Professor Alex Ugwumba, emphasised the importance of reaffirming the society’s commitment to: disseminate original research findings in all areas of Zoology, show linkage of research with teaching and learning in higher institutions and other relevant organisations, further and foster development and application in areas such as agriculture, medicine, environmental and nature-based organisations as well as other related fields.
Professor Onome Bubu-Davies of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, delivered the Keynote Speech on the theme of the Conference, while Professor Adetola Badejo of Obafemi Awolowo, Ile-Ife, delivered a second lecture on the “Threnody for the Taxonomist in the 21st Century. Lead papers were presented by Professor Alex Odaibo of University of Ibadan and Professor Paschal Etusim of Abia State University, Uturu. Vice Chancellor, Rivers State University, Professor Nlerum Okogbule, was represented at the event by Director of Quality Assurance, Professor Eric Amadi, who gave a Goodwill message. Dean, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, Professor Eka Essien, also gave a goodwill message.
Earlier in her welcome address, Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the Conference, Professor Florence Nduka said: “We are grateful that the conference is finally holding after the postponement of 2020, due to multifarious reasons. We received over 120 abstracts and have made adequate provisions for quality presentations. We thank the VC of UniPort for approval and support, the VC of RSU for providing logistics for staff and students to join the event and lavish reception at courtesy visit to his office. We also thanked our sponsors and wished the participants warm welcome and a successful conference.”
