By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

Renowned Professor of Natural Product Chemistry at Bingham University, Karu, Bamidele Joseph Okoli, has called for the integration of natural products into societal practices to address global health and environmental challenges.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritize the development and utilization of Nigeria’s abundant natural resources for the health and environmental benefits of its citizens.

Delivering the university’s 7th Inaugural Lecture titled “The Gift of Mother Nature: The Key to Utopia,” Prof. Okoli criticized the over-reliance on synthetic products and fossil fuels, noting that they often exacerbate the very challenges they aim to solve.

Prof. Okoli, who also serves as the Dean of the Postgraduate School at Bingham University, emphasized that government agencies like the National Orientation Agency (NOA) should champion the benefits of Nigeria’s natural resources.

“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 asserted.

He pointed out that “most of our drugs are synthesized, and some are produced using fossil fuels,” adding that the development of these synthetic drugs often introduces more health and environmental issues.

Acknowledging the potency of natural products compared to synthetic alternatives, particularly in both traditional and modern science, Prof. Okoli highlighted their transformative potential for achieving a sustainable and harmonious society.

“The best solution is to rely more on natural resources in addressing health issues and building a utopian nation through natural products,” he stated.

Prof. Okoli described Utopia as a perfect ecosystem where humans and nature coexist harmoniously, insisting that embracing natural products is the most effective strategy for tackling modern health and environmental problems.

“A utopian society, in this context, is one where we tackle these issues using what nature provides,” he added.

Prof. Okoli traced the rich history of natural products, highlighting their medicinal applications from ancient civilizations to modern science. He also detailed the evolution of natural product research, culminating in advancements like genomics and synthetic biology, which promise groundbreaking discoveries.

He underscored the importance of natural products in combating environmental challenges, advocating innovative approaches such as: Utilizing invasive plants for eco-friendly materials, Applying bioremediation techniques to address plastic pollution and heavy metal contamination.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Bingham University, Prof. Haruna Ayuba, described the lecture as “a profound exploration of how natural elements and ecosystems contribute to an ideal society; and how coexistence and mutual respect can lead to a thriving (utopian) community.”

He stressed the need to recognize the profound relationship between humanity and the natural world—a bond that shapes lives, cultures, and sustainability.

“As we celebrate the gifts that Mother Nature provides us, we must also recognize that these gifts come with a huge responsibility—a responsibility to preserve, conserve, and manage the environment sustainably for future generations,” Prof. Ayuba remarked.

The Vice-Chancellor also commended Prof. Okoli for his dedication to exploring the complexities and wonders of nature, praising his innovative leadership at the School of Postgraduate Studies at Bingham University.