Air pollution kills at least seven million people annually every year, just as 500, 000 also perish from exposure to chemicals, a former Nigeria Ambassador to Australia, Ayo Olukanmi, said yesterday.

The ex-envoy, who is the vice-chairman of a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Fight Against Desert Encroachment, gave the figure in Ilorin at a symposium at the University of Ilorin.

He said the developments were indeed a great cause for concern. Olukanmi solicited synergy between stakeholders, particularly the manufacturers and distributors of chemicals and chemical products and agricultural workers. According to him, "a look around our homes and visit to our markets show our pervasive and unfortunately cavalier approach to use of chemicals." He expressed belief that the scourge of cancer being experienced in Nigeria is partly a result of the misuse of chemicals.

While proffering solutions to the lingering problems in the world of chemistry, the ex-envoy advocated closer collaboration between the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN) and the Chemicals Division of the Federal Ministry of Environment.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria International Chemical Sciences Chapter, Prof. Joshua Obaleye, had urged varsity lecturers to always domesticate the numerous ideas gathered abroad for the growth and benefit of the nation. The don, who is also at the department of chemistry, University of Ilorin, commended the CSN for its efforts and acceptance towards ensuring that the American Chemical Society approved its chapter in Nigeria, stressing that the foreign body would no doubt support Nigeria with numerous tools for innovative.