Arts and Life
OYO STATE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES IN CONJUNCTION WITH UNICEF LAGOS FIELD OFFICE COMMEMORATES THE 2024 WORLD WATER DAY WITH A SYMPOSIUM ON ‘WATER FOR PEACE
by Iberedem Nton and Babatunde Adekanmbi)
Oyo State commemorated the 2024 World Water Day on Friday, March 22nd, 2024, with a symposium on the theme ‘Water for Peace’.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, and with technical support from UNICEF Lagos Field Office, aimed to emphasize the critical role of water in peacebuilding and sustainable development.
The symposium brought together government officials, Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, Permanent Secretaries, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) specialists, and notable figures.
Addressing the gathering, the General Manager of the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Mr A.M. Adeduntan, underscored the indispensable role of water in fostering peace, highlighting the detrimental effects of human activities on climate change. He commended the inclusion of tree planting during the event, emphasizing its potential in mitigating climate change impacts.
The Head of Service, Oyo State, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Service Matters, Mr Paul Oyekunle, stressed the role of water in ensuring global stability and prosperity. He urged concerted efforts towards achieving universal access to clean water.
UNICEF WASH Specialist, Mr. Monday Johnson, urged the Oyo State Government to prioritize sustainable water resource management and local ownership of water facilities to enhance water sustainability across the state. He expressed UNICEF’s commitment to partnering with the state government in achieving the goal of making Oyo State Open Defecation Free by 2028.
A paper presentation was delivered by Dr Rowland Isibor, a Lecturer from the Department of Earth Sciences at Ajayi Crowther University, titled ‘Leveraging Water for Peace’. His lecture provided an in-depth exploration of the central theme of World Water Day 2024.
The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, was represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Babalola. He reiterated the State Government’s dedication to providing portable water for all residents as overseen by the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency.
The event also witnessed the distribution of sanitary and handwashing materials to schools and primary healthcare centers, led by Honourable Babalola. Additionally, a tree-planting exercise served as a symbolic act to promote environmental sustainability.
Mrs Atinuke Akinbobola, Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, during the vote of thanks, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their involvement in the successful celebration of World Water Day, particularly acknowledging the UNICEF Lagos Field Office for their continuous engagement and partnerships with the Oyo State Government.
The symposium not only served as a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange but also showcased the State Governments commitment to addressing water-related challenges for a peaceful and sustainable future.