Maroc - VERACITY.COM.NG - A La Une - 27/Feb 11:35

AAUA: Avoidable pollution threatening our existence - Prof. Ololade warns

A professor of Environmental Chemistry at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Isaac Ayodele Ololade, has warned that unchecked environmental pollution is endangering human survival, saying continuous exposure to contaminated water sources poses serious health risks to Nigerians.Ololade raised the alarm on Tuesday while delivering the institution’s 55th inaugural lecture titled, “Environmental Chemistry: The Science Behind a Healthier Planet.” He said many rivers relied upon for domestic use had been heavily polluted by industrial and urban waste, thereby exposing millions to carcinogenic substances.Drawing from years of research on major rivers in South-West Nigeria, the don explained that both skin contact with polluted water and its consumption significantly increase cancer risks. He cautioned against the domestic use of contaminated rivers for cooking, bathing and recreational activities such as swimming.According to him, findings from multiple studies indicate that persistent exposure to avoidable environmental hazards now threatens public health and livelihoods, particularly among communities that depend directly or indirectly on river resources.The professor called for the urgent enforcement of a zero-discharge policy to curb the dumping of untreated waste into water bodies. He warned that indiscriminate pollution from unregulated sources could undermine marine ecosystems, recreation, tourism and sustainable development.To illustrate the human cost of environmental negligence, Ololade cited laboratory tests conducted on auto mechanics in Ondo State, which revealed alarming levels of toxic metals and carcinogenic substances in their blood and urine. He attributed the development to unsafe disposal of workshop waste and poor environmental practices.He recommended strict monitoring of mechanic workshops, proper waste segregation, spill response planning, training for workers and routine environmental checks to safeguard public health.The university don also urged governments at all levels to adopt a comprehensive strategy to tackle waste-related hazards. His proposals included stricter enforcement of environmental laws, stiff penalties for violators, public enlightenment campaigns, a ban on single-use plastics, expanded recycling programmes andy investment in modern sanitary landfills.Ololade further advocated waste-to-wealth initiatives such as controlled incineration for energy generation and the deployment of digital technologies to improve waste collection and tracking.He, however, acknowledged that developing nations like Nigeria face challenges including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure and a shortage of skilled personnel required to manage complex waste systems.Despite the obstacles, the professor expressed optimism that coordinated action by citizens, communities and governments could reverse environmental degradation and move society towards a pollution-free future.Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Olugbenga Ige, described Ololade as a distinguished scholar whose research has earned national and international recognition. He noted that the university’s inaugural lecture series provides a platform for professors to present research findings capable of driving societal development.