AVMS UI 2023 Annual Public Lecture & Award Ceremony

The AVMS UI 2023 Annual Public Lecture and Award Ceremony themed, "Antimicrobial Resistance, A Looming Pandemic; Roles of Veterinarians in Antimicrobial Stewardship," kicked off with the opening prayer by the Vice President of the association, Omolara Bakare. This was followed by the National and UI anthems. The opening address was given by Oluwatobi Fasiku, the President of AVMS UI, after which Professor Olufunke Ola-Davies, the dean of the faculty of veterinary medicine, University of Ibadan, welcomed and gave an introduction to the theme of the lecture.

Keynote speaker, Professor Herman Barkema, gave his lecture virtually. He is the scientific Director of One Health and the Anti-Microbial Resistance - One Health Consortium at the University of Calgary, Canada.

Dr Maimuna Habib, Former Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, then went on to the podium to speak on the topic, "Antimicrobial Resistance, A Looming Pandemic; Roles of Veterinarians in Antimicrobial Stewardship." In her introduction, she mentioned that she is a mother of seven, and she recognized the presence of one of her sons at the event.

During her lecture, she stated that the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in livestock production have aroused various reactions, some of which are geared towards the discontinued use of antimicrobials. According to research, this is not the solution, though. Rather, there should be controlled antimicrobial use among livestock veterinarians. She also stated that in the long run, antimicrobial resistance in livestock also has a ripple effect on humans, as tetracycline, penicillin, and chloroquine, among other antimicrobials, are also being used by humans.

According to her, the veterinarian has a strategic role in preventing antimicrobial resistance. Some of these roles include vaccination and biosecurity. She went on to state that sometimes, maintaining clients is more important to some veterinarians, and so, they prescribe antibiotics to animals, even when it is not necessary. This can lead to antimicrobial resistance in these animals. She further advised that as veterinarians, whatever we do must be based on scientific outcomes.

Dr Awoyele, a 16-years poultry farm practitioner, spoke about the impacts of antimicrobial resistance in poultry farming. He started by stating that the Nigerian population is about 200 million, and in almost all countries of the world, the animal population is usually more than the human population. This shows that the prudence of the veterinarian is very important in preventing antimicrobial resistance among animals, and in extension, humans.

According to him, the answer is not in not using antimicrobials, but in using them optimally. He mentioned the adage, "He who plays the piper dictates the tune," and elaborated by stating that as veterinarians, we must be gatekeepers at the farm and at processing plants. We must do a good job of inspecting farm animal products and ensuring that they are suitable for human consumption. Doing this will influence optimal drug usage among farm owners. He concluded by stating that every problem is an opportunity to create solutions.

The lecture on "Roles of Veterinary Students in Collaborating with the Government for the Progress of the Profession," was taken by Dr Layide Sadia Azeez. This was followed by another lecture taken by the Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Oyo State Chapter, Dr Moses Arokoyo.

Dr Ayoola Oduntan - Chairman of the Day and Group Managing Director of Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Ltd - gave a presentation on Noiler breed of chickens, when was developed by Amo Farm. According to him, Noilers are a combination of broilers and layers. He stated that although Noilers are not as efficient as broilers, nor as prolific as layers; they have a tasty and tougher meat, can survive on low nutritional grain, and are multi-coloured for easy escape from predators. In his words, if you put a noiler in the backyard of the poorest people, who have only household remnants to feed them, they will survive.

After the Public Lecture, the Award Ceremony came next. The first awardee was Professor Victoria O. Adetunji, a professor of veterinary public health at the University of Ibadan, followed by Dr Maimuna Habib, Former Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria. The awards were presented by the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan. Awards were also presented to Dr Ayoola Oduntan - for his contribution to the livestock industry, Dr Moses Arokoyo, Dr Layide Sadia Azeez, Dr Anthony Olubunmi Babalola, Dr Kayode Femi - who was ably represented by Dr Tolulope, and Dr Alao Mobolaji Moshood.

In the end, financial donations ranging from N10,000 to N250,000, were made to the faculty, after which the vote of thanks was made by Esther Adesanwo.

Written by Blessing O. Sodeinde