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World Water Day marked in Lagos with calls for urgent action
WaterAid Nigeria, and its partners have marked the 2024 World Water Day in Lagos, shedding light on Nigeria’s critical water challenges.
According to WaterAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Evelyn Mere, only 10% of Nigeria’s population has access to essential Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services, leaving a staggering 185 million people without access to these basic necessities.
Represented at the event by Mr. Kolawole Banwo, WaterAid Nigeria, Head of Policy, Advocacy and Communication, Mere emphasised the global initiative’s aim to raise awareness about water-related issues and advocate for sustainable water resource management, aligning with WaterAid’s mission and Sustainable Development Goal 6.
According to Mere, ‘’This global initiative aims to raise awareness about water-related issues and advocate for sustainable management of our essential Water resources.”
She continued that, “The initiative aligns with WaterAid Mission; to transform the lives of the poorest and most marginalized people by expanding and improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene in consonance with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.’’
The theme for this year, “Water for Peace,” underscores the vital relationship between water and peace, especially amid climate change challenges affecting water availability and quality.
In Lagos State, Nigeria’s largest population center and economic hub, approximately 45% of the population lacks adequate water facilities. Mere highlighted the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders, acknowledging recent policy approvals by the Lagos State government as positive steps towards addressing the water crisis.
WaterAid, along with its partners, including Cummins, PepsiCo, the LatterDay Saints Charity, Armani, Microsoft, Kimberly Clerk Foundation, and the Caterpillar Foundation, continues to support initiatives to increase access to clean water in schools, healthcare centers, and communities. Mere urged stakeholders to leverage the World Water Day celebration to rethink approaches and invest in protecting the right to water for all, promoting peace and well-being in communities.
The event also featured remarks from various stakeholders including the Association of Table Water Producers of Nigeria (ATWAP), represented by Mrs. Michael Mary Oye, Vice Chairman 1 of the Lagos Chapter.
She emphasised the importance of water accessibility and the urgent need to address plastic pollution, particularly in Lagos State.
She however commended the state government’s efforts in implementing recycling programs and called for collective action to combat plastic pollution and preserve water resources.
Principal of Oregun Junior High School, Mrs. Adesola Omowumi Ajimuda, expressed gratitude to the Lagos State government, WaterAid Nigeria and other partners for their efforts in ensuring access to clean water, acknowledging the significance of the World Water Day celebration in raising awareness and driving positive change.
In his goodwill message, Mr. Olufemi Asaolu, a Director in the ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, who represented the commissioner, Honourable Allen i-Balogun, however appreciated WaterAid Nigeria and its partners for their intervention at Oregun and Agidingbi secondary schools.
“One thing with Lagos State is that it is a special state, we welcome collaboration from every angle as the government cannot do it alone. Lagos is home to all and most of the facilities provided by the government are overstretched, so the government appreciates all the interventions,” he said.
Students from five public secondary schools in Ojudu and Agidingbi at the event made different presentations along the theme of the 2024 World Water Day.
