Expert cautions on dangers associated with fourth industrial revolution

The Chief Executive Officer of E-Terra Technologies/E-Waste Relief Foundation, Ifeanyi Ochonogor, has insisted that it is imperative for the government and private sector to brace up to the challenges associated with the fourth industrial revolution.
   
Speaking at the 2nd edition of the Lagos State E-waste handlers capacity enhancement programme, in Lagos, Ochonogor noted that without a doubt the dawn of the new decade heralds new opportunities and potential for technological advancement. 

“Humanity is at the cusp of the Fourth Industrial Revolution that is ushering in the age of Artificial intelligence, Blockchain technologies, Crypto currency, machine learning, automation, among others. It is a whole new era where technology will be the driving force of our lifestyle, commerce, governance, manufacturing and recreation.”
  
Furthermore, he said, “As we anticipate the opportunities of the exponential growth in the use of technology tools such as computers, telephones, tablets, televisions that will become part of our everyday lives whether as individuals or businesses, so should we also prepare for the negative effects .associated with the use of these technologies. This is  because as these devices reach their end of life, they will become obsolete and unwanted, and the challenge of properly disposing them in an environmentally sustainable or eco-friendly manner that does not harm humans and the environment will become an economic, environment and health imperative.”
  
Specifically, he stressed the need for government and private sector players to act to combat the scourge of e-waste in Nigeria, as it has become a compelling necessity that requires a concrete plan of action.
  
Ochonogor said the growing amount of ICT laws in Nigeria now have mandatory requirements for the recycling of electronic devices, what needs to be done now is to empower the regulatory bodies to ensure full compliance with the provisions of these laws and policies at the municipal, state and federal levels.
  
“The private sector has to be more active and proactive partners in ensuring that they play a complementary role in the safe use of recycling of e-waste through an action plan of creating awareness and voluntary compliance with environmentally friendly methods of e-waste management,” he said.