Karu: Bamidele Okoli, a Professor of Natural Product Chemistry at Bingham University, Karu, has advocated greater reliance on natural resources to address health and environmental challenges. Okoli made the call during the university's 7th Inaugural Lecture in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the lecture was titled 'The Gift of Mother Nature: The Key to Utopia.' Okoli defined 'utopia' as an ideal ecosystem where humans and nature coexist harmoniously, akin to the biblical Garden of Eden. He stressed that the optimal way to address current health and environmental problems is by depending more on natural resources. He pointed out that synthetic products and fossil fuels, which are often used in modern solutions, might contribute to the very problems they aim to solve.
Okoli highlighted that many drugs are synthesized and some are produced using fossil fuels, which inadvertently create more health and environmental challenges. He proposed that the best solution is to rely more on natural resources in addressing health issues and building a utopian nation through natural products. He envisioned a utopian society as one where these issues are tackled using what nature provides.
Okoli urged the Federal Government to prioritize the development and utilization of Nigeria's abundant natural resources for health and environmental benefits. He suggested that the National Orientation Agency could promote the importance and benefits of natural resources, and agencies like NAFDAC should support the production and use of natural resource-based drugs. He emphasized that Nigeria should not miss out on what defines its African identity.
While acknowledging the challenges in translating research into commercial applications, Okoli stressed the need for greater investment in sustainable practices and public education to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern science.
Earlier in his welcome address, Prof. Haruna Ayuba, Vice Chancellor of Bingham University, commended Okoli for delivering his inaugural lecture and noted its significance in advancing academic culture. Ayuba expressed satisfaction that the university was strengthening its academic tradition through regular public and inaugural lectures and mentioned plans to compile and publish a volume of inaugural lectures after the tenth lecture.
He highlighted that inaugural lectures reinforce values such as scholarship, research, excellence, interdisciplinary dialogue, and knowledge sharing within the university system. Ayuba noted that these lectures serve as a forum bringing together students, staff, and the public, fostering stronger ties between the university and society.
Ayuba described the lecture as timely and relevant, exploring how nature and ecosystems contribute to building an ideal society, stressing coexistence and mutual respect. He emphasized the profound relationship humanity shares with nature, a connection influencing lives, culture, and sustainability, and underscored the responsibility to preserve, conserve, and manage the environment sustainably for future generations.