Insects Not Our Enemy, Don Declares

A Professor of Entomology, Rosetta Bekinwari Bob-Manuel, has said contrary to widespread beliefs that insects are enemies to humans, they are significan to human existence.
Professor Bob-Manuel, who stated this during the 58th Inaugural Lecture of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), midweek, explained that insects have redeeming values for human existence and the world’s ecosystem.
“They play a significant role in natural biocontrol, provide valuable products like honey and silk, and have medical applications”, she said.
Ahe continued that “insects represent the most important forms of life on the planet, influencing human existence since the beginning. They deliver ecological services fundamental to human survival, serve as pollinators, and provide an alternative food source”.
She stressed the need to understand and appreciate insects beyond their perceived threat, noting their potential to “alleviate environmental issues associated with meat production, improve food security, and provide a sustainable food source”.
According to her, “the increasing global population and demand for food have led to unsustainable practices, habitat loss, and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Insects offer a promising alternative food source, requiring less land and resources to produce… They are a nutritious alternative to mainstream staples, rich in protein, food fats, calcium, iron, and zinc.
“They can be prepared in various ways and are already consumed in many rural African communities”.
Professor Bob-Manuel emphasized the need to consider insect farming as a promising protein source, raising awareness about their valuable roles in sustaining nature and human life.
Noting that by 2050, the world will host 9 billion people, facing food shortages and security concerns, she said insect farming can help address these challenges.
In his remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, represented by Professor Ozioma Ekpete, commended the inaugural lecturer for her insightful position on insects and encouraged all to consider them as an alternative food source.
He also appealed to the government to fund insect farming for adequate food production and security.
In a vote of thanks, Professor Mercy Olufunmilayo Adesanya highlighted the need to take the lecture seriously and thanked everyone who contributed to the event’s success.

Sogbeba Dokubo