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PECAN Celebrates 30th Anniversary, Installs Kunle Williams as President General

Published

6 years ago

November 28, 2019

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Banquet hall of The Providence by Mantis Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, was literarily booming with excitement as guests, colleagues, well wishers, associates, friends and family members gather to witness the investiture of PCO Kunle Williams as he becomes the president General of the Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN).

The event, which brought together the who is who in pest control business, also had in attendance stakeholders in health management, notable industrialists, government and inter-government agency officials as well as men and women of goodwill. It was more importantly, a veritable platform to celebrate the association’s 30 years of existence and keeping malaria as well as other killer pests at bay.

With the theme, MALARIA ELIMINATION THROUGH EFFECTIVE VECTOR MANAGEMENT, the programme, supervised the decoration of Kunle Williams as the new president, launch of N50 million fund for mosquito control programmes in rural areas, conferment of awards on deserving members of the society and induction of new member-companies into the fold of PECAN.

The programme, solidly in the hands of a grounded Compere, Saint Black, kickstarted with the recognition of notable personalities among others present, and prompted protocol with the colourful decoration of the president in waiting.

In his welcome address, the chairman of the occasion and Chief Executive Officer, Elizade Motors, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, eulogised PECAN as well as the good work they have been involved in, in the last 30 years. He also had some good remarks for the president, Mr. Williams whose tenure he prayed will be successful and full of beneficial experience. Chief Ade-Ojo’s presence at the event was short-lived as he handed over to Chief Ayo Jakun, who deputized for him and excellently anchored affairs.

Performing the investiture, the out going president, PCO Ayo Ogunyadeeka, praised the qualities of Mr. Williams, asking him to keep the flag flying and continue to live up to expectation.

“By this investiture, you are granted the privilege to be the voice of PECAN, and never to do anything to bring it to disrepute, either in your private or public life,” Ogunyadeeka said.

Chief Ayo Jagun and Rt. Rev. James Olusola Odedeji

In his acceptance, Williams thanked the entire of PECAN for reposing confidence in him and making him their president. He also pledge utmost loyalty to the association and work to raising the standard the former presidents have set.

“On my honour, I’ll live up to expectation, and serve to better the lots of member companies and uplift the standard of the association through advocacy, inter-agency cooperation and many others. Thank you for choosing me. I promise I won’t let you down,” Williams enthused.

Rep of Lagos First Lady, Mrs Omotosho receiving award from PCO Ogunyadeeka

Williams’ investiture was followed by the lecture of the day by a Public Health Entomologist from the University of Lagos, Prof. Ayo Awolola.

Prof Awolola’s lecture titled Effective Vector Management as a Panacea for Malaria Control, was captivating, down to earth, and highly inspirational. Awolola took the audience down memory lane, explaining in copious details the whys and hows of mosquito infestation and transmission of malaria. He noted that Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo are the two countries that bear the burden of malaria in Africa. While Nigeria bears 27 per cent, DRC bears 10 per cent.

During a short drama sketch on malaria

Hear him: “Malaria cannot be wiped out just by controlling mosquitoes because there will always be mosquitoes. What we need is a strong health system to get rid of malaria, and that entails an integrated vector control management because one method cannot control spread of mosquitoes. We need an integrated approach that can attack the larva, pupa and adult stage of mosquito breeding as well as appropriate health system.”

The event was spiced up with a cultural drama presentation on the dangers of mosquitoes and how it could be curbed just as Tomi Sax and his crew serenaded the atmosphere with eloquent music in addition to excellent cuisine served from the stable of Providence by Mantis.

Tomi Sax serenading the audience

The wife of the PECAN President, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Williams, was on hand to present plaques of honour to awardees in their moments of glory. Among the personalities who were conferred with GVMP and MVP awards were the Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the wife of the Commissioner for Information, Mrs Gbenga Omotoso. Others include Dr. Chioma Amajoh (Mama Malaria), Registrar, Environment Health Registration Council of Nigeria. Dr. Dominic Abonyi, National President, EHOAN, Sanitarian (Dr.) Sam Akingbeyin, Managing Director, Refuse Management Board, Kano, Hon. Abdullahi Gwarzo; MD, Masters Energy Oil and Gas, Bar (Mrs.) Patience Dappa; Chairman, Harvetfield Industries Limited, Prince Martins Awofisayo; Sarkin Fulani of Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Bambado; Prof Sam Awolola, Immediate Past Peresident, PCO Ayo Ogunyadeeka and Director-General, Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Timothy Osulale Olawale.

With donations from kind hearted Nigerians towards kill mosquitoes, kill malaria in rural communities initiative, to complement the efforts of various governments, it was obvious that a lot of positives will be seen at the end of the day.

A product of the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Kunle Williams is happily married to Oluwatoyin, and they are blessed with two children, Oluwatomisin and Ayooluwatomiwa.

Featured

Sunny Irakpo Launches SILEC International Magazine in America

Published

9 hours ago

December 8, 2025

Eric

Drug Use Prevention Advocate, Founder and President of SILEC Initiatives, and U.S. Department of State Exchange Alumnus, Ambassador Sunny Irakpo, has unveiled SILEC International Magazine (SIM), a groundbreaking media platform exclusively dedicated to reporting drug-related issues across Africa, the United States, and the global community.

The announcement was made during a strategic meeting with partners in New Jersey, where Ambassador Irakpo is currently participating in a series of community-based and public-safety initiatives to deepen his expertise in combating substance use disorders and illicit drug trafficking both in the United States and worldwide.

A First-of-Its-Kind Platform for Drug-Focused Journalism

Ambassador Irakpo emphasized that SIM is designed to shape public consciousness by promoting value-driven storytelling and providing credible information on the rising tide of drug abuse and illicit trafficking—a crisis he describes as “a looming danger destroying the vibrant youth populations of many nations.”

He noted that the magazine will spotlight the work of NGOs, CEOs, advocates, and policymakers, churches, and companies with strong social responsibility particularly from African perspectives, while amplifying influential voices and advancing global understanding of effective anti-drug efforts.

Drawing inspiration from media leaders such as Dele Momodu, Chairman of Ovation Media Group, and Dr. John Momoh, Chairman of Channels Television, Irakpo described SIM as “a beacon of hope and a tool for societal transformation.”

Recognizing U.S. Efforts Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking

Ambassador Irakpo commended the United States for its continued commitment to combating drug trafficking and addiction—efforts strengthened under previous and current administrations. He particularly noted that the U.S. government under President Donald Trump demonstrated “exceptional courage, political will, and capacity in confronting the opioid crisis and the destructive forces fueling illicit drug trade,” encouraging world leaders to emulate such resolve.

He reiterated that addressing substance abuse requires a combination of drug-demand reduction, citizen sensitization, international collaboration, and sustained public education.

A Platform With Social Impact and Youth Empowerment at Its Core

Irakpo highlighted SIM as a top-tier media platform that will not only drive awareness but also create employment opportunities for young people and support underprivileged students—particularly in Nigeria, where more than 20 million children remain out of school due to financial hardship.

He added that SIM will serve as a sustainability engine for the ongoing anti-drug overdose campaigns of SILEC Initiatives, a leading nonprofit that has educated and sensitized communities for nearly two decades.

Experienced Editorial Leadership

As SIM prepares for its U.S. take-off, Irakpo announced the appointment of veteran journalist Julius Eto as Chairman of the Editorial Board. Eto brings more than four decades of experience across Nigeria’s premier news organizations, including The Guardian, ThisDay, The Punch, Daily Times, and The Trumpet.

He will be joined by distinguished academics including Prof. Oscar Odion Odiboh and other seasoned professionals committed to advancing the magazine’s mission.

A Call for Media Reawakening and Global Collaboration

Ambassador Irakpo called for a media renaissance in Nigeria to strengthen societal values and elevate African leadership in global discourse. SIM, he said, intends to claim its rightful place as “an African voice on the world stage.”

With the official launch of SILEC International Magazine (SIM) scheduled for the first quarter of 2026 in the United States, Ambassador Irakpo extended an invitation to corporate organizations, development partners, and well-meaning individuals worldwide to support this far-reaching vision.

“With hope, determination, and the resilience symbolized by the eagle, SIM is prepared to soar across the globe. Members of the public are respectfully enjoined to visit our friendly, rich anti-drug abuse website, www.silecinitiatives.org.ng,” he added.

Featured

How Tinubu Helped to Crush Military Coup in Benin Republic – Presidency

Published

13 hours ago

December 8, 2025

Eric

The Presidency, on Sunday night, said acting on the two requests by the authorities of Benin Republic, President Bola Tinubu ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped.

The Presidency, in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said President Tinubu commended the swift response of the gallantry of Nigeria’s military.

The statement read: “President Bola Tinubu has commended the gallantry of Nigeria’s military on Sunday for responding swiftly to the request by the Government of Benin Republic to save its 35-year-old democracy from coup plotters who struck at dawn today.

“Acting on two separate requests from the Government of Benin, President Tinubu first ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped.

“The Republic of Benin, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a Note Verbal, requested immediate Nigerian air support “in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation and to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population.”

“In the second request, the authorities in Benin requested the deployment of Nigerian Air Force assets within Beninoise airspace for surveillance and rapid intervention operations under Benin-led coordination.

“The Benin government also requested Nigerian ground forces, “strictly for missions approved by the Beninese Command authority in support of the protection of constitutional institutions and the containment of armed Groups.”

“Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, said all the requests have been fulfilled, with Nigerian ground forces now in Benin.

“Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu,” he said.

He further stated: “Constitutional order was upended in the Republic of Benin, Nigeria’s neighbour, when some soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri announced a coup on Sunday morning. The putschists seized the National TV and claimed they had toppled President Patrice Talon and suspended all democratic institutions.

“It took some hours before the government’s loyal forces, assisted by Nigeria, took control and flushed out the coup plotters from the National TV.

“In his remarks after the restoration of the democratic and constitutional order, President Tinubu saluted the Nigerian armed forces for standing firm as a protector and defender of democracy.

“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin on the invitation of the government. Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

“They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and have made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values and ideals since 1999. Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.”

Featured

Ozekhome, Wife Josephine, Celebrate 34 Years of Marital Bliss

Published

1 day ago

December 7, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Popular Constitution lawyer and renowned human rights activist, Prof Mike Ozekhome, and wife, Lady Josephine Ozekhome, has celebrated 34 years of living together as husband and wife.

The couple took time out to shower love, encomium and affection on each other, celebrating the goodness of Godd upon their lives and home in the last 34 years.

Speaking exclusively to The Boss, Ozekhome noted that on a day like this “I remember how we started; how we weathered the storm together, and conquered together. She is the best companion anyone can have, and I’m very proud of her, and to be her husband.”

Ozekhome once stated that his wife is “a great woman of uncommon virtues and humanity; my jewel of inestimable value, soulmate, sister, best friend and mother.”

While the wife is identified as Lady (Dr) (Senior High Chief) Josephine Mike Ozekhome LL.M, LSM, LL.D. D.Sc., the renowned constitution lawyer, a dotting and loving husband, and firebrand pro-masses Advocate, os identified as Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN, CON, OFR, Ph.D, LL.D, D.Litt,D.Sc., among a host of other watering achievements.