Minister commissions AFO Air Quality Monitoring Station at National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi
Representative of Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Mrs. Adebimpe Adenaike (third from left) of the Federal Ministry of Environment, flanked by mentees and associates of Emeritus Professor Abiodun Francis Oluwole, at the commissioning ceremony of AFO Air Quality Monitoring Station at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos State on Wednesday.
By Tunji Faleye
The Honourable Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, on Wednesday commissioned the Abiodun Francis Oluwole (AFO) Air Quality Monitoring Station at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos State.
Named after Emeritus Professor Abiodun Francis Oluwole—a distinguished physicist and environmental scientist—the station was established by his mentees and associates in recognition of his pioneering contributions to nuclear physics, environmental science, and higher education in Nigeria and beyond.
The ceremony brought together leading scholars and environmental experts committed to tackling the nation’s environmental challenges through data-driven solutions.
Representing the Minister at the event, Mrs. Adebimpe Adenaike of the Federal Ministry of Environment conveyed his appreciation to Professor Oluwole’s mentees and associates for honouring his legacy. The minister emphasized the significance of air quality monitoring in guiding government policies and interventions.
“Air pollutants cannot be detected by human senses alone, hence the need for reliable air quality stations to generate accurate data that informs policy and mitigates exposure,” he said. “This project complements the federal government’s efforts to institutionalize science-based environmental governance.”
He noted that the Ministry has intensified efforts to monitor air quality across the country, citing the establishment of a similar station in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in 2023.
He also highlighted the development of a National Clean Air Programme to consolidate these efforts.
Chairman of the occasion, Professor Dapo Afolabi, OON, CFR, described the event as both a celebration and a tribute to Prof. Oluwole’s immense contributions to human development, physics and the environment.
Project Coordinator, Emeritus Professor Bode Asubiojo, lauded Prof. Oluwole for his mentorship and life-long dedication to science, noting that his legacy is etched not just in academic accomplishments, but in the lives of the many he mentored.
Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), the Director of Research and Development, Abdulwarees Solanke, reiterated the agency’s commitment to protecting the environment—especially air quality.
“This monitoring station will enable us to collect real-time data, inform timely interventions, and improve the quality of air for Lagos residents,” she said. “We’ve deployed more than 60 sensors across the state to enhance data-driven environmental management.”
Acting Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dr. Wakeel
Lawal, expressed gratitude for the station’s location within the hospital premises, describing it as a valuable asset to both the institution and the state.
Emeritus Professor Oluwole, represented by his brother, Akin Oluwole, thanked his mentees and associates for dedicating the station in his honour. He also appreciated the minister and the Environmental Education and Communication (EEC) project team for their unwavering support and commitment.
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In their closing remarks, the Honourable Minister, chairman of the event, Prof. Dapo Afolabi, and LASEPA’s Abdulwarees Solanke jointly emphasized the importance of maintaining and safeguarding the facility. Solanke assured stakeholders of Lagos State Government’s partnership in ensuring the station remains functional and protected.
“We are confident that this station will serve its purpose and stand the test of time,” she concluded.
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