Healing the Sacred Osun River: The Battle Between Tradition and Science
The Osun River in the South-West of Nigeria is a symbol of spirituality and environmental degradation. It is believed to be spiritually connected to the river Oshun goddess and revered for its healing properties, but faces significant pollution due to mining activities, impacting its water quality.
In the first part of a series exploring the Osun River, Africa Science Focus delves into the intricate relationship between tradition and science in addressing the challenges it faces.
Our correspondent, Babatunde Okunola, engages with dedicated worshippers who continue to be drawn to the river despite concerns about its impact on health. Furthermore, Oluseyi Atanda, the president of the Traditional Religious Association in Osun state, provides insights into the deep historical significance of the river.
Azeez Luqmon, an associate professor of analytical environment and nano chemistry at the University of Osun, Nigeria, shares his research findings on the pollution affecting the Osun River. Additionally, he proposes potential solutions for the restoration of the river’s environmental integrity.
The pivotal question remains: Can science and tradition collaboratively contribute to the healing and preservation of the Osun River’s cultural and environmental importance? To uncover the answer, join us for the Africa Science Focus podcast.
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This contribution was crafted by the Sub-Saharan Africa English desk of SciDev.Net.
