Alaafin laments dearth of ecosystem, urges FG to enhance conservative environment

THE Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi has decried the dearth of ecosystem in the country which invariably has impeded both ecological and economic development owing to poor management of human activities on the natural environment.

The Monarch stated this last Friday at the 2018 Award Winners’ lecture organized by Nigerian National Merit Award at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan titled: Refocussing The attention of The Federal Government of Nigeria on Ecology and The Environment’.

According to the Yoruba Monarch, Nigerian government must listen to advice of the intellectuals in the country. He said: “the greatest gift of life is character and are emanated from heredity, environment and education.

“It is disheartening that most rivers have gone dried, block or polluted with aftermath effects like flood through human activity of dropping refuse in flowing rivers. Food we eat today are from inorganic source therefore making us live unhealthy lives. Many animals we acquainted with during our time are not available for today’s youths to see because they have been killed through bush burning and other erroneous human activities”, the Monarch stated.

Alaafin also urged the class of intellectuals to always involve the traditional leaders in the similar gathering noting that whatever they learn will be useful to orientate people because they are closer to them at grassroot.

In his lecture, the Award Winner’s lecturer, Professor Emeritus, Seth Sunday Ajayi said the lecture is predicated upon the situation of Nigerian environment which is a home of all organisms including humans.

The Scholar, however expressed his displeasure for the continued degradation of the environment especially the rate of decline in Nigeria forestry and wildlife resources which is appalling, saying urgent mitigative measures are essential to forestall further loss.

He mentioned climate change as negative impact on the environment caused by human activities. According to him, this have serious repercussions on our environment and livelihood saying there’s need for the Nigerian government  and all stakeholders to take proactive measures in mitigating the myriad of negative impacts of climate change.

Other environmental hazards he mentioned are the problems of erosion and pollution especially oil spill and gas flaring in the Niger-Delta region of the country. He therefore tasked the government to come up with policies to enhance an improved ecosystem in the country.