Nature is angry, we’re in trouble if we don’t act fast — Prof Austin Otegbulu
At his inaugural lecture at the University of Lagos, Wednesday, Professor Austin Otegbulu delivered a stark warning to Nigerians about the dangers of environmental degradation. He emphasized that the abuse of nature poses severe consequences, urging immediate action from both citizens and the government.
“Government at all levels must implement measures to protect the environment,” Otegbulu stated, stressing that without such protections, the environment’s degradation could lead to dire repercussions for the people and the ecosystem.
Professor Otegbulu highlighted the critical link between a healthy environment and the production of goods and services, noting that environmental deterioration, such as erosion, can severely impact agricultural productivity.
He also addressed policy decisions on environmental issues, including air pollution, deforestation, and utility pricing while describing air pollution in urban areas as a significant health hazard, exacerbated by practices like gas flaring.
The inaugural lecturer called for stringent governmental measures to mitigate these issues, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to environmental protection.
In discussing forest preservation, Otegbulu pointed out the undervaluation of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in traditional estate valuation practices.
He argued that “using environmental valuation tools could reveal the true economic value of these resources, informing better policy and economic decisions.”
In a lighter moment, Otegbulu referenced the Bermuda Triangle’s mysterious incidents, suggesting that perhaps a collaboration between environmental economists and marine experts, or even consulting “African witches,” could offer solutions.
In conclusion, Professor Otegbulu stressed the importance of incorporating environmental valuation into policy-making processes, beyond market-based assessments. He highlighted that the true costs and benefits of environmental resources often remain unaccounted for, particularly in Africa and Nigeria. His lecture serves as a call to action for a more robust and comprehensive environmental policy framework.
