Federal University Dutse Holds 2nd Conservation Society Public Lectures

Federal University Dutse held the 2nd public lecture on Conservation Society by Muhammed Lawan Muhammed.

The Federal University Dutse, Conservation Society held its 2nd Public Lecture Series titled ‘Global Insect Decline, Food Security, and the Way Forward', on Wednesday 1st November, 2023 at Nuhu Muhammadu Sanusi Auditorium.

The Guest Speaker, Prof. Zainab Tukur of the Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bayero University,Kano disclosed that the  global insect population decline is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors which include; habitat loss and fragmentation, pesticide, climate change, disease and pathogens, light pollution, invasive species, over exploitation, habitat degradation, agricultural practices and lack of floral resources.

According to her, the global insect decline can only be addressed through sustainable agriculture, habitat conservation, technology, public awareness and support, government policy and regulation, research and monitoring as well as international collaborations.

Prof. Zainab explained that a future where insect decline is successfully addressed holds the potential for a healthier planet, healthier ecosystems, a brighter and more secure future for humanity, adding that the insects are unsung heroes of natural world, with their activities benefiting both ecosystems and economies, therefore recognizing their ecological and economic significance is vital for the conservation of insect populations and sustainability of agriculture and natural environments.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Dutse, Prof. Abdulkarim Sabo Mohammed described the theme of the lecture topical as it captured issues on agriculture, food security, climate change, deforestation among others, adding that the topic will go a long way in addressing the emerging global food shortage and massive deforestation in Africa, thereby dissemination knowledge among students, growing academics and researchers.

In his opening remark, the President, FUD Conservation Society, Prof.M.M Dogara disclosed that considering the human activities which rapidly transform the planet by declining the global insect population at an unprecedented rate amid deforestation, pesticide use, artificial light pollution and climate change among others which have become a major threats tocrops, flowers and other animals that rely on them to survive is the major reason FUD Conservation Society chose to discuss  the topic in order to proffer solutions to the problem of global insect decline and food security.

In his speech, the royal father of the occasion, His Royal Highness, Emir of Dutse Alhaji Hamim Nuhu Muhammadu Sanusi, CFR, who was presented by the Wamban Dutse, Alhaji Mustapha Aminu, mni, commended the FUD Conservation Society for organizing the lecture aimed at imparting knowledge to the general public on the emerging deforestation and global decline of insects and how it affects humanity.

In his vote thanks, the Head, Department of Biological Sciences, Dr. Mohammed Isah Auyo commended the FUD Conservation Society for organizing the lecture, adding that the topic of discussion has added to the existing body of knowledge.