Environmental pollution: Varsity don urges custodial responsibility for preservation
By Praise Chinecherem
A professor of Urban Planning and Environmental Management, Chinedu Okoye has lamented what he described as puncturing of the environment by individuals instead of preserving it as mandated by the creator.
He also regretted the negative impact industrialization and urban development on the ecosystem entrusted to humanity since the dawn of time.
Okoye made the lamentation while delivering the 100th inaugural Lecture of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, themed, ” My Environment, Your Environment: Challenges of Our Activities and Coping Strategies”
While citing Genesis 1:1-30, Okoye of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, UNIZIK painted a poignant picture of how human activities have jeopardized the quality of life and endangered citizens’ collective longevity.
He said, “The environment is a house, shield and shelter. Hence we should manage it so it doesn’t decay. Unfortunately, while trying to cope and survive, we’re puncturing the same house.
“Environment is God’s gift to man which he handed over to him to preserve, value and befriend. Various researches I carried out revealed huge destruction of physical environment, including massive pollution of water, air, and soil.
“We must see the environment as treasure as well as our custodial responsibility with proactive steps to protect it in order to reclaim it as stewards rather than exploiters.
“I also urge the present generation to reconcile with nature and embrace sustainable environmental management practices.”
Earlier, Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Charles Esimone expressed satisfaction over the institution’s advancement in discharging its academic responsibilities, noting that each inaugural lecture comes with its unique.
He described the inaugural lecturer as symbolic individual, particularly for being privileged to deliver the centenary inaugural lecture of the institution.
“Our today’s lecturer is here to share with the town and gown his contributions to knowledge after several years of hard work.
“We have a very large online audience which keeps increasing, and I’m sure what we’re going to learn will contribute to the growth and development of this institution and society at large,” he added.
Anambra State Director of National Population Commission (NPC) and State Chairman, Association of Professional Bodies, Tpl Dr Joachin Ulasi described the lecture topic as apt, calling for review of structural plan for an orderly environment.