Prof MM Adeyemi , an Organic Chemistry Professor in Nigerian Defence Academy has disclosed what plants use in defence against their enemies especially pests and insects and possible ways of preserving crops free from insect attacks.
She highlighted examples of these antifeedants to include constituents from the Neem tree which inhibits attack on various species of insects and many other secondary metabolites from plant tissues which have been researched on and found to be highly toxic to specific insect species that are post-harvest pests. Others include rotenone, veratridines, pyrethrins and nicotine that have been used for insect control for centuries.
She made these remarks while delivering the 18th inaugural lecture of the Academy at Maj Gen JN Garba (Rtd) Hall, Ribadu Campus, Kaduna
entitled “Natural Product Chemistry as a Defence Mechanism ” on Tuesday the 30th day of
May, 2023. The program started at about 3.08pm with procession of the Principal Officers of the Academy followed by the citation of the inaugural lecturer which was read by Dr. RC Gandu.
Present at the event were the Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy Maj Gen IM Yusuf, the Academy Provost Prof Engr Isa Garba, the Academy Registrar Brig Gen AM Tukur who was represented by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETFund) Desk Officer Brig Gen YS Inuwa, the Academy Librarian Dr. Lawal Umar, the Dean of Postgraduate School Prof YA Umar, the Deputy Dean of Postgraduate School Prof George Moses, Deans of Faculties, Members of NDA Academic Committee (Senate), Director of Linkages and Collaboration Prof BJ Ajibua, Director of Academic Planning Prof S. Garba, Head of Centre for Energy and Environment Prof JK Aremu, Head of Chemistry Department Prof PE Omale, Head of Critical Thinking Teaching and Learning Centre Dr (Mrs) Caroline Ogbonna, Heads of Departments, lecturers, staff of the Academy, members of Chemical Society of Nigeria, cadets, postgraduate students, guests, family and church members of the inaugurated Professor.
In his remarks, the Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy Maj Gen IM Yusuf welcomed all the invited guests and everyone to the ceremony. He thanked the Special Guest of Honour Maj Gen OT Akinjobi for honouring his invitation. He described Gen Akinjobi as a fearless and disciplined officer. He admonished the cadets to emulate the qualities of Gen Akinjobi.
The Special Guest of Honour Maj Gen OT Akinjobi in his remarks thanked the Commandant for the honour given to him as the Special Guest of Honour. He encouraged all the staff of the academy to continue to do their best in order to sustain effective teaching, learning and research. The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna assured the staff of the Academy of the Commandant’s supports and quality leadership. He commended the Inaugural lecturer for the brilliant presentation.
The Decoration of the Inaugural Lecturer was done by the Commandant, Maj Gen IM Yusuf and assisted by the Academy Provost Prof Engr Isa Garba. As the tradition of the academy demands, a souvenir was presented to the Special Guest of Honour by the
Commandant on behalf of the Academy.
In his Vote of Thanks, the Academy Registrar Brig Gen AM Tukur thanked the Special Guest of Honour for honouring their invitation despite his tight schedules. He appreciated the Commandant for his mentorship and supports towards the success of the occasion. Brig Gen Tukur applauded the Deputy Commandant Air Vice Marshal OR Abidoye for always supporting the Academy Branch towards achieving it’s goal and objectives. His special thanks went to the Academy Provost for his continuous efforts in sustaining academic excellence in the academy.He applauded the Members of the Organizing Committee for the Inaugural Lecture for their hard work towards the success of the program.He wished everyone journey mercies back to their various destinations. The program came to an end with a group photograph of all the dignitaries and cadets.
