A Professor of Neuroendocrine and Reproductive Physiology, Alexander Obidike Naiho, has called on the federal and state governments to establish targeted environmental intervention measures to protect communities as toxic affected the people’s reproductive health arising from mineral exploration and exploitation.

Delivering the third lecture at the University of Delta, Agbor (UNIDEL), Naiho warned that the residents of resource-rich areas,who are often economically disadvantaged, faced with the disproportionate exposure to harmful environmental conditions with far-reaching health consequences.

Speaking on a title “Brain, Body, and Beyond: Reproductive Perspective of Attack and Defense,” the University don explained that his attention has been drawn to critical links between environmental toxicity and reproductive outcomes, Focusing on the damaging effects of environmental toxicants in oil-producing regions.

He described human reproduction as a highly intricate biological process shaped not only by genetics and physiology, but also by environmental factors, both natural and human-induced, saying, when exposed to oil,other pollutants has strongly associated with declining fertility and adverse reproductive indicators among affected populations.

“Our findings revealed a stark correlation between crude oil exposure and negative reproductive outcomes .Higher concentrations were linked to reduced fertility indices, increased stillbirth rates, delivery complications, and lower antenatal attendance in impacted communities,” he stressed.

According to the University don, there is an urgent need for stricter regulatory frameworks to control the release of harmful substances into the environment, alongside rapid responsibility mechanisms to contain oil spills in the Niger Delta region.

“We advocate tighter controls on the use of reprotoxic materials, including common pollutants such as polythene bags, which contribute significantly to environmental degradation.Beyond identifying the risks, there are offered pathways for mitigation.”

He emphasized that the protective role of natural antioxidants, nutrients in countering oxidative stress, adding,  research shows that substances such as ginger—both red and white varieties—and gingerol can significantly enhance male reproductive capacity and overall fecundity.

The University don urged nutritionists and food industry to explore the fortification of food products with antioxidant-rich compounds, including lutein, lycopene, ginseng, amino acids, and other bioactive substances capable of reducing tissue damage and improving reproductive health outcomes.

Naiho therefore examined the impact of diabetes, recommending non-pharmacological interventions such as intermittent fasting and regular exercise as effective strategies for blood glucose control, particularly among at-risk individuals.

“The health of future generations is a reflection of the environment we create today,  as it will underscore the long-term implications of current policy and lifestyle choices.”

Earlier,the Vice-Chancellor of UNIDEL, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, congratulated Prof. Naiho and the Inaugural Lecture Committee for sustaining a platform that promotes intellectual discourse and research excellence.

She described the University’s growth over the past five years as “tremendous,” noting that its transition has made them to move toward digital innovation and increasing international relevance and reflecting widespread interest in the intersection of environmental science and human health.

With its ongoing inaugural lecture series, UNIDEL continues to position itself as a hub for critical scholarship, fostering conversations that address pressing societal challenges through research-driven insights.