By Abuchi Ifesinachi, Awka
The Dean, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Anambra State University, Igbariam, Prof. Chukwunenye Anene, has stressed the need to harness insects as food substances.
Anene made the call while delivering the First Inaugural Lecture of the university, titled “Insects and Man: Species Diversity and Interaction” at the Igbariam campus on Wednesday.
The professor, who argued that insects were a high source of protein, said humans should stop the indiscriminate killing of insects as they play vital role in the existence of man.
“Insects should no longer be called pests but treated fairly as food substances and alternative source of protein,” he said.
Anene also called on health workers not to subdue insects through their in-door and out-door residual spraying as well as other unhealthy environmental practices.
In a remark, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Fidelis Okafor, said that the essence of the inaugural lecture was intended to give Anene the opportunity to expose findings of a research conducted earlier.
Okafor said that the topic of the lecture x-rayed the relationship between insect and man.
“We examined whether insects are friendly or not to mankind but we gave a verdict that they are friendly,” he said.
