Koko Udonquak
The wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel has been conferred with an award of Ambassador of Biochemistry by the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
The award was conferred on Mrs. Emmanuel by the National President of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Professor (Mrs.) Sylvia Malomo at the ongoing 36th National Conference of the body holding at the University of Uyo, Uyo.
The governor’s wife in appreciation for the award, thanked God and the leadership of the Society for finding her worthy of the honour, describing the event as another important day of fulfillment for her and in the history of the Society.
The governor’s wife posited that Biochemistry stands at the centre of science and technology, adding that it is a gateway to medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, environment and health sciences. She however observed with dismay low rate job opportunities for graduates of biochemistry in the country, calling for awareness for related parastatals in order for graduates of the course to embrace the importance of biochemistry in their organization.
She said Biochemistry is a multidisciplinary applied science which deals with the chemical processes and mechanisms in the living organisms, stressing that students should not be given admission to study the course as alternative course to other courses, but rather should be given admission based on conviction and merit.
While commending the organizers of the conference for holding the conference in the University of Uyo, the first lady said it was home coming for her, having graduated from the Department of Biochemistry over 25years ago. She donated modern U.V equipment to the Department of Biochemistry, University of Uyo to aide in research work.
Earlier, the National President of the Society, Prof. (Mrs.) Sylvia Malomo in her remarks thanked the governor’s wife for her support towards the hosting of the conference in Uyo.
She said the theme of the conference “Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Essential Catalysts for Recession Economic Recovery and Sustainable Development” is apt as Nigeria finding ways of going out of recession.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Enefiok Essien who was represented by the deputy Vice Chancellor in-charge of Administration, Prof. Godfrey Udoh, said Biochemistry pose a great promise for the country, saying the conference is holding when the country is in dire need of economic recovery. He charged the Society to engage in research which will provide a roadmap that will put Nigeria at the top ten countries in the world.
In a keynote address, a professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Toxicology from the University of Ibadan, Professor Olatunda Farombi while speaking on the theme “The Role of Selected Chemo-preventive Agents in Drosophila Melanogaster and Rat Models of Drug-induced Neurotocity”, said Nigeria currently ranks high among countries with Neuro-degenerative diseases.
He said the effect and burden of chronic diseases in the country has resulted in the low life expectancy of Nigerians.
The event also witnessed the conferment of award of fellows of the society on three deserving members of the society.
14th November, 2017
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