Ibru varsity hosts geophysical society confab

Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU), Agbarha–Otor, Ughelli North Local Council, Delta State, hosted the sixth yearly international conference of the Nigerian Geophysical Society (NGS).

The conference, with the theme “Exploring the Diversity in Geophysical Sciences for National Development,” which was chaired by former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Amos Utuama (SAN), had participants from universities and institutions in Nigeria and abroad.”

In his opening remarks, Utuama said geophysicists played immense roles in national development, noting that “like the geologists, the geophysicists are very important professionals in the utilisation and maintenance of all major resources under the earth, resources which are essential to the development of the country.” He said that the Nigerian economy needed diversification, saying that the over-dependence on oil and gas resources as main revenue earner for the country is scary as oil and gas has exhausting supply, which should make the level of reckless exploitation of the resources non-strategic.

He said the theme of the conference is instructive as it is in line with the national policy on national development.
Co-founder of the university, Dr. Cecilia Ibru, said the quest for sustainable development is entrenched on environmental protection, which encourages economic behaviour that preserves nature. She said the theme struck a harmonious chord with the very essence of what Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU) stands for.

In his keynote address, Prof. A.B. Rabiu equally canvassed diversification of the Nigerian economy as crude oil business is becoming less lucrative.He said: “A day will come when crude oil will be infinite. The patronage of geophysical science and ICT holds the key to solving our present security and economic crisis in Nigeria as public safety is of great economic concern when it comes to investment in any nation.”

Rabiu, therefore, stressed that the use of ICT would help in providing a better quality of life for the internally-displaced persons (IDPs) camps in Nigeria, stressing that that drones can solve the prevalent problem of food hijack in these camps as well as other difficult terrains.

President of NGS, Prof. E.O. Falayi, expressed his sincere gratitude to Cecilia Ibru for hosting the conference, noting that geophysical science holds the key to Nigeria’s growth and development.An outstanding leadership award was presented to co-founders Michael and Cecilia and Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ibiyinka Fuwape.