*50% manufacturers endengering society.
* Advocates Ranching, Thorough washing of vegetables, Fruits.
Treasure Ochemeje Lokoja
A university Don, Professor Patrick Audu has raised concerns over the impurity of sachet water ( Pure Water) as some of the producers have refused to meet minimum standards set by the regulatory agencies.
He equally warned against unwholesome consumption of vegetables and fruits as they could hide parasites and advised for thorough washing of the leaves by using salt and water to remove the free radicals and parasites before consumption.
Professor Patrick Amidu Audu, made the disclosure in an inaugural lecture, 14th in the series titled, Ubiquitousness of Parasites: keeping ‘Tricksters’ at Bay , held on Wednesday, inside the main hall of Adankolo campus of Federal University Lokoja .
Audu, a Professor of parasitology ,in the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science,Federal University Lokoja, noted that despite efforts by National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and Control NAFDAC to ensure that producers of sachet waters complied to standard, some of them have been operating with impurity.
He disclosed that, his research into the production of the packaged water revealed that out of over 100 sachet water industries sampled ,over 39 of them were discovered to have parasites and other free radicals, as over 50% of sachet water sold throughout the country does not meet the UNICEF standard, calling on the monitoring agency to step up the campaign.
He also canvass for ranching for cattles to prevent cross boarder transport of parasitic diseases by the pastoral herds.
He explained that Parasite, derived its name from the Latin word Parasidos, lives on other living things for survival, and described those that does no harm to the host as wise span, while those which kills their host as committing suicide.
He said, origin of parasite could be found in the Holy Bible Gen:1 and in chapter 2 ,the first man Adam gave names to all the living creatures, making him a zoologist, adding that Parasites could be harmful to the primary, intermediate and secondary definitive hosts, hence, not friends to human beings.
He recommended that personal hygiene by everyone such as washing of hands, fruits, toilets and maintenance of clean environment amongst others should be observed
“Parasites are not our friends, they are hostile to our existence, ingrate and can kill their hosts, they are silent killer which demands every seriousness and concern by all to kick against the monster
“Both government and citizens should aspire to live above board in the control of Parasitic diseases and infections
“There is therefore, the need to keep parasites at bay to achieve sound health” Professor Audu admonished
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Akinwumi Olayemi described the distinguished lecturer, Professor Audu as a pride to the institution saying that inaugural lecture of this kind holds a special place in the life of every higher institution across the globe.
“It is essentially dedicated to nurturing the minds of young scholars for acquisition of sound knowledge and education as well as presentation, enlightenment and thought provoking academic exercise” The VC said.
