Lagos, Nigeria – Founder of the Ògo Àkúré Mandate Group and DFORTUNE Pest Solutions Ltd., Pco. Ayodeji Fortune Oluleye (Ògo Àkúré), has successfully hosted the Global Pest Management Conference (PMC) 2026, bringing together public health experts, government regulators, academics, researchers, manufacturers and international industry leaders to address Africa’s growing public health, food security and biosecurity challenges.
The prestigious two-day conference, held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, attracted participants from five continents, further cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s premier platforms for professional collaboration, innovation and policy dialogue in pest management.
Held under the theme, “Rethinking Pest Control Strategies for Agriculture, Food Safety, Public Health and Environmental Sustainability in Africa,” the conference featured two fully packed days of keynote presentations, technical sessions, exhibitions, networking and high-level discussions on practical solutions to emerging public health and environmental challenges.
Participants called for greater investment in innovation, research, sustainable pest management and stronger regulatory collaboration to safeguard public health, strengthen food systems and enhance Africa’s preparedness against emerging biosecurity threats.
The conference featured presentations from leading local and international experts, including Prof. Kehinde Kemabonta, Head of the Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, who advocated greater investment in research, innovation and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to reduce dependence on hazardous chemicals while promoting sustainable agricultural productivity.
International perspectives were provided by Mr. Giovanni Bazzocchi, Chief Executive Officer of BleuLine S.r.l., Italy, who delivered a presentation on “Innovation Without Borders: Strengthening Global Partnerships for Sustainable Pest Management,” while Mr. Daniel Baldwin, MPH, Founder of the Guarded Harvest Project, USA, shared practical strategies for advancing professional pest management beyond traditional Integrated Pest Management approaches.
Other notable speakers included Dr. Vincent Isegbe, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS); representatives of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); Mr. Seyi “OSKA” Aiyeleso, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Agbeyewa Farms and Matna Foods; and Elder Michael Somoye, Chief Executive Officer of Mashlow Pestology Ventures.
In his welcome address, Pco. Ayodeji Fortune Oluleye (Ògo Àkúré) said the conference was established to bridge the gap between research, policy, regulation and industry practice.
“The Global Pest Management Conference is more than an industry gathering. It is a platform for developing practical solutions that protect public health, strengthen food security, promote environmental sustainability and enhance Africa’s preparedness against emerging biosecurity threats,” he said.
Oluleye noted that over the past five years, the annual conference has evolved into a recognised platform where policy meets innovation, research informs practice, regulators engage with industry, and global partnerships create local solutions. He added that the event continues to drive meaningful conversations that shape the future of pest management across Africa.
Representing the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), Mrs. Ibrahim Bolanle described professional pest management as a national public health priority, stressing that climate change, rapid urbanisation, emerging infectious diseases and increasing food system vulnerabilities require science-driven and professionally regulated pest management practices.
She reaffirmed EHCON’s commitment to strengthening professional standards, licensing qualified practitioners, promoting Integrated Pest Management and supporting research, technology transfer and public awareness to improve environmental and public health outcomes.
Also speaking at the conference, Elder Michael Somoye urged stakeholders to reposition pest management as “an indispensable pillar of environmental health, public health security and sustainable national development,” rather than viewing it solely as a commercial service.
The conference also featured international product exhibitions, technology showcases, business networking sessions, practical demonstrations and the Africa Pest Management Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding individuals and organisations for their contributions to the advancement of the pest management profession.
Now in its fifth edition, the Global Pest Management Conference by DFORTUNE has become one of Africa’s leading annual gatherings for policymakers, regulators, researchers, academia, development partners and industry leaders. It continues to serve as a platform for shaping policy, promoting innovation, fostering international collaboration and advancing professional excellence in pest management, public health, food safety, agriculture and environmental sustainability across the continent.
Signed:
Pco. Ayodeji Fortune Oluleye (Ògo Àkúré)
Convener, Global Pest Management Conference (PMC)
Founder/Chief Executive Officer, DFORTUNE Pest Solutions Ltd.
Founder, Ògo Àkúré Mandate Group
