Micheal Bankole to deliver keynote address as SoTLAN holds annual conference in Ogun

Micheal Bankole, director of climate change and environmental planning in Lagos, will deliver a keynote address at the Society of Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria (SoTLAN) 7th annual conference in Ogun.

The three-day event titled ‘The Role of Public Analysts in Tackling the Challenge of Climate Change for Food Security’ will hold in Abeokuta from July 8 to 10.

Speaking on Thursday during a press briefing, Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, outgoing president of the society, said the event will examine how data from laboratory testing can support efforts to mitigate climate risks in the country.

Ogunmoyela noted that the conference will also feature a lab exhibition, technical sessions, student debate competition, and a general meeting that will usher in a new national executive council.

“The rising threats of flooding, deforestation, and biodiversity loss underscore the need for public analysts to provide reliable scientific data for informed policy actions,” Ogunmoyela said.

“As professionals, we monitor environmental pollutants—such as heavy metals in water, soil, and air—and assess food safety risks, especially as climate change worsens food insecurity.”

Ogunmoyela, who also served as chairman of the now-dissolved governing council of the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), appealed to the federal government to reconstitute the body.

He said the dissolution of the council in June 2023, alongside other boards, has stalled regulatory activities within the profession.

Ogunmoyela noted that public analysts are legally mandated under the IPAN Act to conduct chemical and microbiological tests on food, drugs, cosmetics, and related products, issuing certificates that are admissible in court.

He called for stricter enforcement against unlicensed analysts issuing unauthorised test certificates, while urging stakeholders across sectors to join the conference and support efforts to enhance food safety and environmental health amid the climate crisis.

“Only those licensed by IPAN can issue valid certificates. We encourage all practitioners to register with the institute to ensure their services are legally recognised,” he added.

“Without a governing council, the regulation of laboratory practices remains weak. We urge the government to reinstate IPAN’s council to strengthen oversight and professional accountability.”

The event will be hosted by Dapo Abiodun, Ogun state governor, and chaired by Ola Oresanya, commissioner for environment in Ogun.

Technical sessions will explore the impacts of climate change on food systems and how public analysts can help maintain safety standards.

It will also feature a panel discussion by environmental experts, with students from tertiary institutions expected to debate on ‘Climate Change: Building Resilient Cities’.

Fifteen new fellows of the society will be inducted at the analysts’ nite dinner.