On Wednesday 26th October 2022, Landmark University advocated a safe environment noting its relevance in building a sustainable society. This campaign was flagged at the University’s 25th LUCRID Webinar under the aegis of the Landmark University Centre for Research, Innovations and Discoveries (LUCRID) in conjunction with SDG 13 (Climate Action) Group and the College of Engineering.

Speaking to the participants online and onsite on the significance of a safe environment, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charity Aremu during her welcome address noted that safety is a fundamental need of man. She said that man loses focus when safety is absent in an environment no matter how beautiful or smart it is. She revealed that this has culminated in man’s continuous search for a safe environment in order to be relevant in all works of life. According to her, safety environment is required to increase productivity, create a viable environment, ensure people’s strategic thinking, increase the human population and achieve economic stability amongst others. She, therefore, decried the current state of Nigeria which she said needs urgent attention for it to attract and retain human capital for its sustainability. She, therefore, called on all and sundry to improve their ways of life towards ensuring a safe environment for all. 

In furtherance of this advocacy were the two presentations by renowned researchers, Professor Sunday Oyedepo and Dr Patience Tunji-Olayeni Covenant University which addressed the major threat to a safe environment in the 21st century. In his presentation titled, “Low-Carbon Energy Use and Tracking”, Professor Oyedepo noted that Energy is very important for human survival and development but its exploitation and use have had a very huge impact on the environment. He said that alternative methods of producing energy such as wind, solar, hydro or nuclear power are better for the planet as they release less carbon into the atmosphere. According to him, the world is experiencing unprecedented rapid warming from human activities, primarily due to burning fossil fuels that generate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions which have devastating effects on the environment. “One of the best ways we can aid in the fight against global climate change is to reduce our carbon footprint because the less GHG we emit, the less we contribute to global climate change. We, therefore, help ensure cleaner air, water, and food for our generation and generations yet to come,” he said.

Dr Patience Tunji-Olayeni in her presentation titled, “Green Building Materials for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in Africa” espoused the effect of climate change on food security. She said that “With a population of over 200 million people, a food crisis will plunge Nigeria and the entire West African region into a humanitarian crisis.” According to her, 70% per cent of farms in Nigeria are operated on a small scale and with low technology. She added that the situation will further “strain the resilience of this region which is already threatened by poverty, unemployment and insecurity.” She, therefore, called on national governments, corporate entities, industries and individuals to work towards the reduction of global temperatures to about 1.5-degree Celsius as declared by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as the mitigating measure to salvage the situation. She suggested green materials as an alternative to cement in construction to reduce carbon footprint. These include Rice husk, cassava peel and sugar cane bagasse which have been proven to have excellent cementitious (pozzolan) and structural properties, and can partially replace cement, a major source of GHG emissions. 

Earlier, the Director of LUCRID, Dr Adeolu Adediran noted that the 25th LUCRID Webinar was unique for its aptness in addressing a major and recurring global challenge and congratulated participants on their access to useful information. In the same vein, the SDG 13 Group leader, Dr Rueben Okocha noted that the 25th Webinar is the first in the 2022/2023 academic session. The webinar enjoyed participation from both within and outside the walls of the University. From the University were the Dean of the College of Engineering, Professor John Ojediran; HOD of Chemical Engineering, Dr Bamidele Fakinle, faculty, staff and students of the University.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charity Aremu delivered her Welcome Address at the 25th LUCRID Webinar.

The facilitator of the 25th LUCRID Webinar, Professor Sunday Oyedepo making his presentation.

The facilitator of the 25th LUCRID Webinar, Dr Patience Tunji-Olayeni making her presentation.

The Director of LUCRID, Dr Adeolu Adediran giving the prologue of the 25th LUCRID Webinar.

The SDG 13 Group leader, Dr Rueben Okocha introducing the 25th LUCRID Webinar to the participants

The HOD, of Chemical Engineering, Dr Bamidele Fakinle gave the vote of thanks to facilitators and participants for the successful 25th LUCRID Webinar.

A cross-section of faculty, staff and students at the 25th LUCRID Webinar.

A cross-section of students at the 25th LUCRID webinar

The Vice-Chancellor, members of management, faculty, staff and students in a group photograph at the 25th LUCRID webinar