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By Tosin Kolade
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev has advocated collective action to protect the Nigeria’s water bodies from pollution and flooding.
Utsev said this on Monday in Abuja at an event to commemorate the 2024 World Rivers Day, with the theme: “Protect Our Rivers from Pollution”.
World Rivers Day is being celebrated globally to raise awareness about the importance of rivers.
This year’s observance in Nigeria serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect the country’s water bodies.
Utsev underscored the role rivers play in the water cycle, economy, ecosystem and sustainable development.
“Our rivers are lifelines for communities, ecosystems, and economies across Nigeria, it is our collective responsibility to prevent pollution, flooding, and other threats that endanger these vital resources.
“Protecting our rivers require a collective effort. Let us all work together to prevent pollution and flooding so that future generations can benefit from these priceless resources,” he said.
He noted that this year’s celebration was subdued due to the devastating Maiduguri flood which caused significant damage in Borno.
Utsev recalled that the Sept. 10 flood claimed lives and destroyed properties, prompting his ministry to assess the Alau Dam to prevent future disasters.
“As we commemorate World Rivers Day, we also stand in solidarity with the people of Borno State.
“We are working closely with the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) to monitor water levels across the country and ensure that such incidents do not reoccur,” he said.
Utsev stressed the importance of flood preparedness, particularly in states along the Benue River, such as Adamawa, Taraba and Benue.
He urged state governments to remain vigilant, clear drains and relocate residents from flood-prone areas.
The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to protect Nigeria’s rivers from pollution, urging stakeholders to view rivers as “living entities” deserving of legal rights and protections.
He enjoined Nigerians to safeguard rivers from harmful practices such as dumping of waste and overuse.
“We must extend these protections to our watersheds and basins, recognising that clean and healthy rivers are fundamental to our survival,” Utsev added.
Also, Dr Bello Goronyo, his state counterpart, noted the role of rivers and dams in sustaining life and supporting national development.
He stressed that protecting rivers was crucial to maintaining dam infrastructure, which supports water supply, irrigation, and hydro-power generation.
Goronyo warned against harmful river activities that jeopardise dam safety and water resources.
While calling for collaboration between the government, stakeholders and the media to enhance public awareness and prevent misinformation about dam safety, Goronyo stressed the need for support to enhance sustainable water management.
The event attended by representatives of the National Water Resources Institute Kaduna, Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission and NIHSA, featured symbolic tree planting and river clearing at the Jabi Lake, FCT, Abuja. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
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