There is need for multistakeholder, inter-agency and intergovernmental collaborations for effective water resources management and sustainable water service delivery to everyone everywhere. This will include right policies, good planning, adequate funding, and commensurate capacity building.
Ms Evelyn Mere, Country Director, WaterAid Nigeria, who made this submission in her remarks to mark the 2024 Water Day Celebration held at Oregun Junior High School, Ikeja, on Friday, March 22, in Lagos, said: “We must ensure that all communities and sectors are able to access the water needed to meet their needs. This way, we can ensure peace in communities and guarantee the well-being of all citizens thereby, deploying water as a tool for promoting peace.”
Represented by Mr Kolawole Banwo. Head, Advocacy, Policy and Communications, WaterAid, Mere said that the 2024 theme “Water for Peace” focuses on recognising water as a tool for peace, showcasing effective mechanisms and tools to enhance cooperation and prevent water-related disputes through displaying the critical role water plays in the stability and prosperity of the world.
According to her: “Globally, 2.2 billion people still lack access to safely managed water and, in Nigeria, 185 million people lack access to basic water supply.
“The goal is to work together to balance everyone’s needs, ensuring everyone, everywhere has sustainable access to improved water, and to make water a catalyst for a more peaceful world.”
In his submission, Mr Jamiu Ali-Balogun, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, expressed gratitude to WaterAid and its partners on their impact and intervention in schools in Lagos State.
Represented by Mr Olufemi Asaolu, Ali-Balogun said that Lagos remained a home for all.
He underscored the importance of water and clean environment for the well-being of the students, while urging the students to be good mangers of water.
Mr Olakunle Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Office of Water and Drainage Services, Ministry of the Environment, noted that the 2024 World Water Day theme is “Water for Peace”.
Represented by Mr James Oyedele, Adegbite said that water could easily create peace or war, depending on its scarcity or availability.
He noted that herders/farmers clash has been exacerbated by the movement of herders southward in search of water.
He, however, thanked WaterAid and partners for what they are doing in the provision of WASH facilities for Lagos Schools.
Highlights of the event was presentation of drama session to underscore the importance of water to life by students at the schools.
The event was supported by PepsiCo Foundation and Cummins West Africa.
By Ajibola Adedoye
