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A Professor of Natural Product Chemistry at Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Bamidele Okoli, has advocated for greater reliance on natural resources to address health and environmental challenges.
Okoli made the call during the university’s 7th Inaugural Lecture, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Karu Local Government Area of the state.
The lecture is titled “The Gift of Mother Nature: The Key to Utopia.”
He defined “utopia” in this context as an ideal ecosystem where humans and nature coexist harmoniously, comparable to the biblical Garden of Eden.
Speaking on the topic, Okoli emphasised that the best approach to solving current health and environmental problems was by depending more on natural resources.
He noted that synthetic products and fossil fuels, which were often used in modern solutions, could actually contribute to the very problems they were meant to solve.
“Most of our drugs are synthesised and some are produced using fossil fuels.
“In the process of developing these synthetic drugs, we inadvertently create more health and environmental challenges.
“The best solution is to rely more on natural resources in addressing health issues and building a utopian nation through natural products.
“A utopian society, in this context, is one where we tackle these issues using what nature provides,” he said.
Okoli urged the Federal Government to prioritise the development and utilisation of Nigeria’s abundant natural resources for health and environmental benefits.
“The government can use the National Orientation Agency to promote the importance and benefits of our natural resources.
“Likewise, agencies like NAFDAC should support the production and use of natural resource-based drugs.
“We can’t keep losing out on what makes us African,” he added.
While acknowledging the challenges in translating research into commercial applications, he stressed the need for greater investment in sustainable practices and public education to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern science.
Earlier in his welcome address, Prof. Haruna Ayuba, Vice Chancellor of Bingham University, commended Okoli for delivering his inaugural lecture and noted its significance in advancing academic culture.
Ayuba expressed his satisfaction that the university was strengthening its academic tradition through regular public and inaugural lectures.
“By the time we reach the tenth inaugural lecture, we will compile and publish a volume, our first official collection of inaugural lectures,” he said, adding that copies would be available for interested readers.
He emphasised that inaugural lectures reinforced values such as scholarship, research, excellence, interdisciplinary dialogue, and knowledge sharing within the university system.
“It is a forum that brings together students, staff, and the public, fostering stronger ties between the university and society,” he said.
Describing the lecture topic as timely and relevant, Ayuba said it explored how nature and ecosystems contributed to building an ideal society, stressing coexistence and mutual respect.
“It reminds us of the profound relationship humanity shares with nature, a connection that influences our lives, culture, and sustainability.
“As we celebrate the gifts of Mother Nature, we must also acknowledge our responsibility to preserve, conserve, and manage the environment sustainably for future generations,” he added.
