FG assures of commitment to provision of water, charges Association of Hydrological Sciences to conduct more research in this regard

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Terlumun Utsev has said that the federal government is unrelenting in bridging the gap of accessibility to potable water by Nigerians nationwide.

He said that it was unfortunate that the country blessed with156b cubic metres of water over the years but not well harnessed in the overall benefits of the people.

The Minister stated this in a message to the opening of the 13th Annual Conference of the Nigeria Association of Hydrological Sciences held at the Facculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka.

The theme of the Conference and Annual General Meeting is “Water, Environment and Society”

Represented by the Managing Director of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Femi Odumosu, the Minister noted that the globe is experiencing unprecedented shortage of water like never before while challenging the forum to continue research on water resources to bridge the gap between science and the people.

Professor Utsev observed that Climate change in form of drought had greatly affected the availability of water for human consumption and other purposes.

According to him and i quote “Water is critical to live and Livelihood and critical to the economy. No meaningful development can take place in the globe without water’. End of quote.

Speaking further, the Minister said that indiscriminate exploitation of ground and land water is of major concern to the stakeholders and urged the Nigeria Association of Hydrologiccal Sciences to proffer solution through regular research.

He canvassed for timely exchange of knowledge and collaboration with likeminds to formulate policies and profer solution that will ensure effective management of water resources in the country.

On her part, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Mrs Folasade Ogunsola said she was extremely glad that the society considered UNNILAG as the choice venue of the event.

The VC was represented at the event by the Dean of Engineering, Prof Obanishola Sodiq who described the conference as crucial to the current happenings in the country and the world at large.

Prof Ogunsola said she was glad that the institution was among the highly rated recently in the world.

She assured that the management team is not relenting on efforts to improve on standard of teaching in the institutionn despite the harsh economic challenges in the country.

The UNILAG VC noted that they have priotized technology in teaching in the institution and made the University more responsive to national demands.

The Guest lecturer at the conference, Mrs Funke Adepoju, who is the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission said water
is an indispensable element in evvery society adding
scarcity of water, lack of clean water, flood, pollution, vulnerability of coastal areas to rising water level are among the challenges facing human lives today.

She maintained that absence of adequate water poses a major challenge to farmers which in turns affects level of agricultural produce.

Funke Adepoju therefore charged the Association and other stakeholders to harness their potentials to address the challenges confronting human lives.

“Deforestation had greatly affected human existence in many ways. Adapting to climate change is very important in considering solution to the menace.
Charged the gathering to ensure responsible management and equitable distribution of water. ” she added.

The boss of the Lagos Water Regulatory Commission explained that society has a vital role to play and renew dedication on water resources for harmonious and peaceful coexistence in the country.

Earlier, the President of the Nigeria Association of Hydrological Sciences, Prof David Jimoh said that multidisciplinary Association focused on advancing the knowledge of Hydrological and water resources in Nigeria.

He said that the association recognised the challenges in the provision of water as multifaceted.

According to him, some of the challenges includes technical, managerial and policy too adding the forum will rub minds and profer workable solution to the problem.

Prof Jimoh concluded by saying that the conference will also discuss on research findings and encourage more students into the field.