Polymer is part of Our Daily lives – Gov Uba Sani

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor Mallam Uba Sani said “Polymer materials have become an integral part of our daily lives, from the plastic packaging that safeguards our food to the lightweight materials that make modern vehicles more fuel-efficient.”

He, however, explained that “we must acknowledge the environmental concerns associated with the production, use, and disposal of polymers.

“The Future of Polymer Materials:Trends and Sustainability,” is both timely and significant. In a world facing unprecedented challenges related to climate change, environmental degradation, and resource depletion, the field of polymer science has a pivotal role to play in shaping a sustainable future.

Governor Uba Sani is speaking at the Annual Technical Conference AGM and 5th international conference Kaduna 2023 with the theme Future of polymeric materials, trends and Sustainability held at Kaduna State University

Represented by Vice Chancellor Kaduna State University, KASU Professor Abdullahi Musa, he maintained, “As we ponder the future of polymer materials, we should also remember that technology and innovation alone will not suffice. It is our collective responsibility to adopt sustainable practices, advocate for change, and work together as a global community to ensure a better future for generations to come.

The Polymer Institute of Nigeria has a vital role to play in this journey. By fostering collaboration, facilitating research, and promoting the responsible use of polymer materials, you can be the driving force behind the positive changes we seek.

In his welcome address, the President of the Polymer Institute of Nigeria, Professor Emmanuel Osabohien, acknowledged some challenges associated with the business of polymer in Nigeria, mainly due to technical, mechanical and economic constraints.

He expressed optimism in a brighter future if younger generations of scientists and technologists were inculcated with advanced technology and expertise adequately by veterans in the field so they could take over from the older crops for Sustainability.

Professor Osabohien disclosed that the institute since it came into existence in 1991 had led and spearheaded several research around cutting-edge technology which according to him, gave birth to innovation and modern ideas of polymer and associated materials.

While drawing the attention of stakeholders in the industry to environmental hazards posed by irresponsible usage of polymeric Materials, the scientist enjoined the conference attendees to be advocates of decent and eco-friendly production and consumption of polymer materials.

Chairman of the occasion, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. H.D. Ibrahim in his remarks urged stakeholders to explore the latest trends in polymer research and development, this would keep them afloat and ahead of their peers in other climes.

While calling for a commitment to sustainability, Prof. Ibrahim charged researchers and manufacturers of polymeric materials to ensure products sent out to consumers aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

He encouraged participants to take full advantage of the unique opportunity of interfacing with experts from across the globe to share meaningful insights and foster collaborations that would foster a prosperous future for polymeric materials.

He revealed that the institute under his administration had initiated a competition among Polymer researchers in the country where the best three researchers were given awards to encourage Innovation and ingenuity.

Also speaking the Technical Director and General Manager, of Hassan Plastics Industries Limited, Chief Alexander Ommen who delivered a keynote address at the occasion drew the attention of participants to the challenges in the Polymer Industries in the global industries.

He urged experts in Nigeria to take advantage of the trend of technological developments in India and other countries in advancing growth in the country’s Polymer Industry while supporting his Presentation with statistics from other climes.