7m people die of air pollution annually

A former Nigeria Ambassador to Australia, Ayo Olukanmi on Monday  said seven million people died annually as a result of air pollution globally.
The ex envoy who is the Vice Chairman of an NGO, Fight Against Desert Encroachment gave the figure in Ilorin at a symposium held at the University of Ilorin.
Olukanmi further said that  research also revealed that 500,000 people perish from exposure to chemicals worrying that the developments are indeed a great cause for concern.
He solicited for synergy between stakeholders particularly the manufacturers and distributors of chemicals and chemical products and agricultural workers.
“A look around our homes and visit to our markets show our pervasive, and unfortunately cavalier approach to use of chemicals,” he said. The scourge of cancer, being experienced in Nigeria according to him, is partly a result of the misuse of chemicals.
While proffering solutions to the lingering problems in the world of chemistry, the ex-envoy advocated for closer collaboration between the Chemical Society of Nigeria, (CSN), and the Chemicals Division of the Federal Ministry of Environment.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria International Chemical Sciences Chapter, Professor Joshua Obaleye, urged varsity lecturers to always domesticate the numerous ideas gathered abroad for the growth and benefit of the nation.