ELEVEN Twelve Foundation has joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Environment Day with a symposium which was held at Lagos Hall, Ibadan Business School, Bodija, Ibadan, recently.
The theme was “Air Pollution: The way forward.”
In attendance were the deputy governor of Oyo State, Engr Rauf Olaniran and stakeholders from government parastatals, academia, private sector. Secondary school students within and outside Ibadan also graced the event.
The keynote speaker, Dr Adie Gilbert, noted that humans are the major contributors of air pollution. He highlighted generator use, vehicles, use of firewood and improper waste disposal as human activities that pollute the air.
The deputy governor in his speech pinpointed air pollution as one of the environmental problems that humans face.
He added that air pollution had adverse effects on food security and health of humans. These challenges posed by air pollution have a way of perpetuating poverty amongst citizens.
He acknowledged the role of government in ensuring a healthy environment for people to live in. Furthermore, he pleaded for citizens to work with the government to secure a better future.
The panelists in their addresses reiterated similar concerns expressed by the aforementioned speakers.
These stakeholders proposed the following as solutions in curbing air pollution: recycling, attitudinal change, lifestyle adjustment and introduction of indigenous knowledge system. In their closing remarks, participants were encouraged to research and venture into recycling and upcycling.
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