A Professor of Geomorphology at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUOE), Rivers State, Nigeria, Professor Hyginus Bariziga Oku, has advocated the ecological survival theory of “Okanaa” (meaning “don’t do it” in Ogoni dialect) to forestall destruction of the area’s ecosystem.
Presenting the institution’s 65th Inaugural Lecture, titled, “Geosystems and Man’s Life Expectancy”, recently at the university’s auditorium, Oku noted that citizens are duty bound to protect the ecological space occupied and must not harm others through negative actions.
According to the Professor of Geography and Environmental Management, who is from Ogoni, “the collective will to preserve the ecosystem is mandatory to both our right to life and living maximally”.
He hinted that the “Okanaa” theory suggests that at the individual, family, community, industry, farm, commerce, transport, FBO and other man’s activity level, citizens must not do that which is potentially harmful to the soil, water, air and microbes as these media constitute components of the fabric of life with longevity dependant on them.
The theory, the 65th inaugural lecturer stated, advocates internalising environmental ethics of safety of others on a daily basis and personally policing our activities in conformity with set standards of space interactions.
The decisions made today at individual, national and global levels, according to him, “will determine whether future generations will inherit a world that supports longer, healthier lives, or one that struggles with resource depletion, climate instability and declining human survival rates”.
Professor Oku further stated that the responsibility rests with policy makers, scientists, educators and individuals to ensure that human progress is not a fleeting achievement but a lasting legacy.
The lecture, he noted, is not just an academic discussion, but a call to action as life expectancy, human well-being and environmental sustainability are inseparable.
The Ogoni-born Professor recommended for all to put up environmentally positive actions for a safe, better and sustainable ecosystem, saying that this is the ticket to life expectancy.
“The environment, through the soil, water, air and lifeforms inadvertently dictates our comfort, health and wellbeing and could spell doom if the thresholds are not guarded jealously”, he said.
Oku emphasised that the future of life expectancy is no longer about medical progress alone, but about whether choices made are for restoration over depletion, stewardship over exploitation, and solidarity over indifference.
He highlighted the fact that degradation of air quality has resulted in respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases and developmental disorders in children and the elderly, adding that “over seven million premature deaths each year are linked to air pollution, according to the World Health Organisation (2021).
“This silent killer affects both the rich and poor nations with developing countries often facing the worst exposure due to limited regulations and health care access”.
The don opined further that if citizens act now with courage, cooperation and compassion, they can ensure that future generations not only live longer, but live well on a thriving planet that they can be proud to inherit.
In his speech, Professor Lysias Dodd Gilbert, who represented the Vice Chancellor of the university, lauded the 65th Inaugural Lecturer for exhibiting his academic expertise, experience and research findings.
He urged all to treat the environment sustainably for longevity and posterity, and also agreed that Geosystems affects man’s life expectancy, saying that “what we do to the environment can affect how we live and alter the earth systems meant to protect us in return”.
On his part, the Registrar of school, Dr. Chinonye Abraham Ajie, congratulated the inaugural Lecturer for giving a world class presentation and urged all to internalise his recommendations.
In a vote of thanks, the Associate Dean, Postgraduate School, Professor Chibuzor Chile Nwobueze, expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, for his credible and visionary leadership and urged him to keep the flag of knowledge development and peace flying.
He also urged Professor Oku to provide inclusive leadership for the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies.
Professor Nwobueze thanked everyone who came to celebrate the inaugural Lecturer and promised that the University would facilitate sustainable Town and Gown interactions for sustainable peace and development in the Country.

Sogbeba Dokubo