A clarion call for urgent action to address the escalating environmental crisis and its devastating impact on Nigeria’s food security was sounded earlier today at the 7th Memorial Lecture in honor of Late Engr. (Chief) Samuel Olatunde (S.O) Fadahunsi, Past President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
The event, hosted by the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE) at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, brought together leading experts and stakeholders to discuss the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
Delivering the keynote address, Engr. Nureni Adegboyega Ogunyemi, MNSE, FNIEE, National Chairman of the NIEE, painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s food security landscape. Despite the nation’s abundant natural resources, he emphasized that deforestation, desertification, pollution, and unsustainable agricultural practices are wreaking havoc on food production systems.
“The consequences are stark: declining crop yields, loss of fertile land, and increased vulnerability to extreme weather events,” Ogunyemi warned.
“These challenges are manifesting in soaring food prices and scarcity of essential commodities, placing immense hardship on Nigerians.”
Recognizing the critical role of environmental engineers in addressing these complex issues, Ogunyemi outlined a vision for a sustainable future. He emphasized the need for innovative solutions, such as efficient water management systems, soil conservation techniques, and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
“Environmental engineers are at the forefront of developing and implementing sustainable solutions,” Ogunyemi asserted. “We must also advocate for policies that prioritize environmental protection and invest in research and development.”
The lecture featured a keynote address by Professor Jacob Ademola Shonibare, FNSE, a renowned expert in chemical engineering and environmental research. Shonibare provided valuable insights into the scientific underpinnings of the environmental challenges facing Nigeria and offered recommendations for addressing them.
An unexpected boost was the presence of former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who disclosed his personal friendship with the late Engr Fadahunsi; and in true fashion, spoke eloquently on the role of food security in national development and how engineers need to be adamant about proffering solutions to the crisis.
The lecture was also an opportunity, as respective members of the institution were upgraded into the fellowship cadre of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE).
In closing, Engr. Ogunyemi called for collective action from both public and private sectors to enhance food systems, thereby honoring Late Engr. Fadahunsi’s memory by committing to environmental and food security efforts. He encouraged all environmental engineers to emulate Fadahunsi’s dedication and integrity, aiming for a sustainable environmental infrastructure in Nigeria.
In attendance at the memorial lecture were notable figures, including NSE President Engr. (Mrs) Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, FNIEE (represented); HRH Engr. Abdulwahab Ogunbiyi, FNSE, Eleku of Odo-Eku; Engr Babatunde Oshodi, FNSE, Chairman, Board of Fellows, NIEE; Hon. Johnson Babatunde, Executive Chairman, Orile-Agege LCDA, Lagos; and Family of the Late Engr S.O. Fadahunsi.
