A professor of Environmental Dynamics and Management, Ilemobayo Oguntimehin, has called on governments at all levels to enforce environmental protection laws to safeguard lives and drive economic development.
Oguntimehin made the call on Wednesday while delivering the 10th inaugural lecture of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Ondo State.
Speaking on the theme, “The Nexus of Pollutant’s Dynamics: From the Plume to the Plus,” the don described environmental pollution as a major global challenge threatening human survival and ecosystems.
He noted that pollutants have permeated air, water and soil, with far-reaching consequences on health, agriculture and overall development.
The scholar identified various categories of pollutants, including air, water and soil contaminants, as well as emerging threats such as industrial chemicals and electronic waste, warning that their impacts were becoming increasingly complex.
He stressed that understanding the sources and effects of pollutants was essential to developing effective strategies for environmental protection and sustainable development.
Oguntimehin urged the government to strengthen environmental monitoring, invest in research funding and adopt modern assessment techniques to curb pollution.
He also advocated the promotion of recycling practices, stricter regulation of industrial emissions and the establishment of designated zones for activities such as automobile repairs to reduce environmental degradation.
The professor further called for increased public awareness, urging citizens to adopt responsible waste disposal habits and avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Temi Ologunorisa, commended the lecturer for what he described as an insightful presentation.
Ologunorisa noted that the Ondo State Government, under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had been supportive of academic research, but stressed the need for increased funding to enhance teaching and innovation in tertiary institutions.
He urged policymakers to consider and implement the recommendations outlined in the lecture to mitigate environmental hazards and protect public health.
The event attracted academics, industry stakeholders, students and other dignitaries from within and outside the university community.
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