Environmental Degradation In Oil-Rich Communities Eroding Reproductive Health, UNIDEL VC Warns

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor, Prof Stella Chinye Chiemeke, has warned that environmental degradation in oil-rich communities in the Niger Delta is fast eroding reproductive health, especially among males, with potentially devastating consequences for future generations.

The Vice Chancellor stated this on Tuesday, while commenting on the 3rd in the Series of Inaugural Lectures in the University, delivered by Prof Alexander Obidike Naiho.

She pointed out that studies in human physiology indicate that oil exploration seriously affect human reproductive health. She therefore added her voice to the call for urgent intervention by both federal and state governments through the introduction of stricter regulatory frameworks to curb the release of toxic substances into the environment.

While speaking on the topic “Brain, Body and Beyond: Reproductive Perspective of Attack and Defense”, Prof Naiho, the Dean of Clinical Science in the institution and a specialist in neuroendocrine and reproductive physiology, drew a direct and troubling connection between environmental toxicity and declining reproductive outcomes, particularly in oil-producing regions.

He warned that communities where intense mineral exploration occur are among the most vulnerable as they face sustained exposure to harmful pollutants which can lead to decline in fertility rates, increase stillbirths and pregnancy complications.

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Beyond industrial pollution, Prof Naiho identified everyday environmental hazards posed by the indiscriminate use of polythene materials in form of shopping bags and plastics containers as well as wrong dietary choices and unhealthy use of fluoride in toothpastes as contributors to the growing burden of toxic exposure.

He therefore called for the establishment of rapid-response systems to effectively contain oil spills and limit long-term damage, complete ban on polythene materials and tighter controls on substances with reproductive health risks as well as increase in the healthy use of natural antioxidants such as ginger, bitter kola among others, regular exercises and intermittent fasting as effective tools for managing blood sugar levels.

Present at the inaugural lecture were the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Patrick Ijeh, other principal officers, lecturers, non-teaching staff and students of the university, as well as family and friends of Prof Naiho.