Executive Director of Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Professor James Adediran has said that the people’s ignorance is responsible for most of the damages to soil in Nigeria.
Professor Adediran made the assertion on Wednesday while speaking during the 2018 World Soil day held at the institute premises in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
Adediran who was represented by Professor Akin Oluwatosin, a professor of soil survey and land management said that most people unconsciously damage soil.
He said, “To celebrate world soil day, there is need to educate ourselves because most of the damages to our soil are due to ignorance. Most people do not know when they are damaging the soil and sometimes the damages are irreparable.
This year’s theme for world soil day is “Be the solution to soil pollution”.
Adediran said, “Soil pollution is a major threat to soil and poses a serious risk to food safety. There are many sources of soil pollutants ranging from natural/inherent (from soil parent materials) to human-induced (industries, household wastes, agrochemicals etc).
“Effects of these pollutants can be felt in the soil, food security and human health. The purpose of our gathering today is to educate ourselves on how to combat this soil threat and have a healthy society.
“In addition, we also want to encourage future generations to pick a career in soil by giving award of excellence to best students in soil courses from institutions in South-western Nigeria”.
At the event were teachers and students from some secondary schools in the Oyo State.
