Virologists discuss alleviating plant virus disease impact on food security in Nigeria at first national conference
The Nigerian Society for Plant Virology (NSPV) held its maiden conference at the IITA Ibadan campus to inaugurate the society and discuss ways plant virology can improve food security in Nigeria such that its impact spreads throughout Africa. The conference, which was held from 28 to 31 October, assembled over 70 scientists and students from the field of virology.
For 48 years, Prof Stephen Soyinka—initiator and founding president of NSPV—has been passionately canvasing for a dedicated society for plant virologists to address the various issues associated with plant virology in Nigeria. “I am happy to see the realization of this goal and witness participation of so many virologists congregated here today,” he said. He appreciated IITA for its support and for hosting the event on its campus, which has played a significant role in developing virology capacity in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
