Dickson Omobola
A prominent researcher in environmental sustainability, Dr Oluwafemi Ige, has said Africa's industrial growth cannot come at the expense of the continent's environment.
Ige, who has become a notable figure in efforts to reduce industrial emissions across Africa, highlighted the urgency of finding eco-friendly solutions within the continent's growing industrial landscape.
With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, Dr. Ige's work focuses on sustainable strategies to curb greenhouse gas emissions, specifically in sectors like cement and automotive manufacturing.
Ige's research addresses some of Africa's most pressing environmental issues. The continent's industrial emissions, particularly from manufacturing, continue to rise, posing severe risks to the environment and public health. Through his work, he has developed alternative, energy-efficient methods to reduce emissions without compromising productivity.
"Our goal is to balance industrial development with environmental sustainability," he said, emphasising the critical need for greener industrial practices.
Over the years, Ige has also studied the socio-economic dimensions of Africa's industrial sectors, advocating for policy reforms alongside technical solutions. His approach goes beyond technology, stressing that policy intervention is crucial for fostering sustainable growth. "Technical solutions alone are not enough," he explained. "We need supportive policies to encourage industries to adopt cleaner practices."
His research provides a roadmap for industries to achieve eco-friendly operations that align with both local and global environmental goals.
One of Dr Ige's significant contributions lies in his analysis of emissions from the cement industry. Cement production is known for high emissions of greenhouse gases, including CO₂ and other pollutants. Using a combination of life cycle assessment and system dynamics modelling, Dr Ige projects the long-term impact of these emissions, with findings that warn of severe climate implications if left unchecked. "Without intervention, emissions from cement production could double by 2040," he revealed, underscoring the need for urgent action.
To combat these risks, Dr Ige advocates for innovative solutions such as eco-blended cement and carbon budgeting. He suggests implementing taxation policies that could encourage manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices. "Regulatory measures are essential to drive meaningful change in the industry," he said, adding that these strategies could serve as a model for sustainable industrial growth across the continent.
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Dr Ige has also made strides in automotive manufacturing, where his research on bio-based hybrid nanocomposite brake pads presents an eco-friendly alternative to conventional materials. By synthesizing carbon nanospheres from palm kernel fiber, he has created brake pads that are not only more efficient but also less harmful to the environment. "Our research shows that these bio-based materials outperform traditional options in both durability and safety," Dr. Ige stated, emphasising the importance of reducing reliance on hazardous materials.
The use of renewable resources, such as palm kernel fibre, reflects Dr. Ige's dedication to resource efficiency and environmental conservation. This innovative approach supports global efforts to promote sustainable manufacturing practices. "By utilising local and renewable resources, we're advancing material science in an eco-friendly direction," he explained.
