A Professor at the University of Benin, Mr Anthony Ogbeibu has called for support for clean technologies by enforcing existing laws strictly to ensure that ozone-depleting substances are not used illegally in Nigeria.
Professor Ogbeibu stated this at a Symposium organized by Save the Ozone Nigeria to celebrate the 2025 international Ozone Day held at the University of Benin, Edo state.
The University Don who noted that the
day emphasizes the progression from early scientific warnings about ozone depletion to successful international policies and actions, stressed that recent scientific research shows that Ozone depletion and exposure to erythemal UV radiation affect Nigeria than other countries.
“Recent scientific research shows that Ozone depletion and exposure to erythemal UV radiation (EUVR), affect Nigeria more than many places. So we are not isolated from this global threat.
It is documented that in Borno, Rivers, Abuja, and Lagos, UV radiation often reaches very high to extreme levels in the midday, especially in the dry and early rainy seasons. Even a short exposure with no protection can have harmful effects.”
Professor Ogbeibu who is also a former Chairman of the Edo state branch of the Nigeria Environmental Society further advocated for more strigent measures toward recovery of ozone layer and the adoption of the Kigali amendment to phase out hydrofluorocarbons , powerful greenhouse gases, and other Ozone Depleting Substances, used in refrigeration and air conditioning.
“We must support clean technologies by enforcing existing laws more strictly and ensuring that ozone-depleting substances are not imported or used illegally.
Finally, we must engage young people, schools, media, and community leaders so that this science becomes widely understood for necessary action right from the grassroots”
In a remark, Acting Director, National Center for Energy and Environment, University of Benin, Dr Emmanuel Ogbomida , who decry the High rate of Ozone depletion globally, stressed thàt usage of energy efficient equipments will aid in preserving the environment .
“We need to stop the influx of oboselete equipments from developed countries like television and Air conditioners. We need to begun to use Energy efficient equipments that do not use Ozone depleting chemicals so that we can preserve the environment.we also need to train the artisans that repairs some of this equipments like refrigerators and Air-conditioners to ensure depleting chemicals against Ozone layers are not released into the environment . “
The event with the theme
“From Science to Global Action” .
Featured goodwill messages from representatives of both Federal and Edo state ministry of environment, presentation of awards to some Edo residents among others.
