By Aderemi Bamgbose
Prof. Ilemobayo Oguntimehin has urged the Federal Government to improve funding of research and enforce policies against environmental pollution that threatens human existence.
Oguntimehin, a Professor of Environmental Dynamics and Management, gave the advice on Wednesday at the 10th Inaugural Lecture of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State.
Oguntimehin, also the Director, Centre for Research, Innovation and Development, OAUSTECH, gave a lecture titled “The Nexus of Pollutant’s Dynamics: From The Plume To The Plus”.
According to him, environmental pollution threatens and reduces human lives, and has emerged as one of the pressing challenges currently affecting every corner of the planet and also threatening the balance of ecosystem worldwide.
The don classified types of environmental pollutants as physical, state, origin, chemical composition and degradability, while stating major categories of environmental pollutants as air pollutants, water pollutants, soil pollutants and emerging pollutants.
“Pollutants have environmental, ecosystem, human health and economic impacts and effects. From the air we breathe, to water we drink and the soil that nourishes our foods, pollutant’s have permeated virtually every aspect of the environment.
“Contaminants are substances that are present in the environment at concentration above natural background levels, however, not all contaminants are harmful.
“A substance becomes a pollutant when it causes adverse effect on living organisms and distrpts natural processes.
“Understanding the nature, sources and impacts of pollutants is crucial for developing effective strategies, protects plants and human health and preserve our planet for future generations.
“The government should improve funding of environmental researchers, and drastically enforce policies.
“Also, environmental agencies should adopt advanced assessment methodology, expand monitoring networks and begin public reporting against environmental pollution,” Oguntimehin said.
Meanwhiile, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, OAUSTECH’s Vice-Chancellor, commended Oguntimehin for the lecture, and urged government and policy makers to adopt the recommendations of the lecture.
He added that the state government under late Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and current Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa had been supportive.
“The support is boosting the morale of professors in the university to go into research for laudable and impactful lectures, which has made the institution witness the 10th Inaugural Lecture.
“The lecture was impactful and if the government and other policy adopt the recommendations, more lives will be protected against environmental pollution,” Ologunorisa said.
NAN reports that the lecture was attended by professors, scholars, lecturers, staff, students and members of the public. (NAN)
