The Eko Club in Surulere, Lagos, recently served as the venue for the 2025 Pest Controllers’ Table Tennis Tournament, an event that skillfully combined sporting competition with public health advocacy. The tournament, commemorating World Pest Day 2025, saw defending champion Femi Bamishile retain his title amidst a concerted effort by organizers to raise awareness about the critical role of pest control in safeguarding public health. This marked the second iteration of this unique competition, following its successful debut in 2022 at the same location, demonstrating a growing commitment to integrating pest control awareness into a popular and accessible format. The event provided a platform for pest control professionals and table tennis enthusiasts to connect, fostering a sense of community while highlighting the importance of proactive pest management practices.
Dr. Tolu Caleb, MD/CEO of Rotimax Integrated Services Limited and Rotimax Pest Control Training Academy, the driving force behind the tournament, articulated the dual objectives of the event. Firstly, the tournament aimed to raise public awareness about the often-overlooked connection between pest control and public health. Dr. Caleb emphasized the critical nature of public health, particularly in the 21st century, positioning it as second only to security in terms of societal importance. Secondly, the tournament showcased the vital role of pest control professionals in maintaining public health. By highlighting their expertise and dedication, the event sought to elevate the status of pest control operatives, recognizing them as essential frontline workers in the fight against disease transmission.
Dr. Caleb underscored the importance of proactive pest control measures, particularly in Nigeria’s challenging health landscape, where diseases like malaria pose a significant threat. He advocated for simple, preventative measures that individuals can take to protect themselves and their families. These include eliminating stagnant water around homes, ensuring mosquito nets are properly used, and maintaining a clean environment. By empowering individuals with this knowledge, the tournament aimed to reduce the burden on healthcare systems and improve overall public health outcomes. Furthermore, Dr. Caleb drew a parallel between pest control professionals and medical doctors, highlighting their shared responsibility in disease prevention and promoting their essential contributions to public health.
Ashabi Abbey-Dollar, CEO of Pest Masters International, a leading fumigation company in Nigeria, further emphasized the often-underestimated dangers posed by common household pests. Abbey-Dollar used the example of cockroaches, explaining how their shed exoskeletons can become airborne and trigger asthma attacks, particularly in children. This served to illustrate the hidden health risks associated with pests often dismissed as mere nuisances. Abbey-Dollar stressed the need for proactive pest management, advocating for maintaining pest populations at a “tolerant level” to minimize health risks. Her contribution highlighted the importance of expert intervention and emphasized the need to consult professionals for effective pest control solutions.
Beyond the public health advocacy, the tournament provided a stage for sporting prowess. Femi Bamishile successfully defended his title, reaffirming his dominance in the pest control table tennis arena. Adding a unique element to the competition, the “Organizers Challenge” saw Dr. Caleb triumph over Ashabi Abbey-Dollar in a best-of-five table tennis match, injecting a dose of friendly rivalry into the proceedings. This lighthearted competition further contributed to the engaging atmosphere of the event.
Reflecting on the success of the tournament, Dr. Caleb explained the rationale behind choosing table tennis as the focal point for their awareness campaign, highlighting its widespread appeal and accessibility. Looking ahead, he revealed ambitious plans to expand the event’s scope in subsequent years. From 2026, the event will transition from a solely table tennis tournament to a multi-sport competition, incorporating other sports like mini-football. This expansion aims to broaden the event’s reach and engage an even wider audience, amplifying the message of the crucial link between pest control and public health. By leveraging the popularity of sports, the organizers aim to create a sustainable platform for ongoing public health education and advocacy.
