Prof. of Geophysics, Emmanuel Okolie, delivering Delsu’s 106th Inaugural Lecture recently
By Ogbe Sunny
The Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka, Professor Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga, has expressed concern over the apparent neglect of researchers’ efforts and contributions in addressing societal issues by the government and other concerned public entities.
In a press statement signed and made available to newsmen by the Patrick Ijeh, Deputy Director, Ceremonials, Information, and Public Relations Delta State University Abraka, said the Vice Chancellor expressed this disappointment recently during the 106th in the Series of Inaugural Lectures held at the university’s main campus.
In his remarks on the inaugural lecture titled:”Unearthing the Earth for Sustainability of Existence: The Nigerian Saga” , the University’s helmsman observed that government, at all levels do not take advantage of the myriad of research outcomes embarked upon and discovered by scholars on how best to move Nigeria forward. This, he pointed out, accounts for the inability of the country to surmount many of the challenges confronting it.
Delsu’s 106th Inaugural Lecturer,Prof.Okolie in the traditional presentation of a copy of the inaugural lecture to the VC,Prof.Egwunyenga recently
Professor Egwunyenga called on Nigerians to take individual and collective responsibilities in sustaining their existence by resisting tendencies that make life untenable in all its ramifications, as canvassed by the inaugural lecturer.
In his lecture, the 106th inaugural lecturer and renowned Geophysicist, Professor Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Okolie, emphasized that from the beginning of time, humanity has sustained its existence through the exploration and exploitation of both immediate and distant environments to improve life; otherwise, extinction would be have been more imminent.
The Professor of Geophysics took the audience through a lucid analysis of the structure Nigeria’s physical environment to show that the country is blessed with compact lithology which gives it stability. According to Professor Okolie, this reality of nature accounts for the absence of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and a host of other severe natural disasters in the country. He also pointed out that Nigeria’s position in the equatorial fair-weather zone, rich in minerals beneficial to agriculture and economic activities, further underscores its environmental advantages.
VC(Delsu), Prof.Egwunyenga(Left)inducting Prof.Okolie(Right)into the league of Delsu’s Senior Professors by decorating him with traditional medal of being the University’s 106th Inaugural Lecture
He however,lamented the numerous deliberate actions by the government, corporate bodies and individuals that are systematically destroying the God-given stable environment, citing policy malfunctions, reckless and selfish mining of solid minerals and crude oil, wasteful use of oil revenue, and environmental degradation and pollution as major issues. He warned that if Nigerians fail to manage their environment to continue to sustain the country’s existence, future generations would suffer dire consequences.