By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Oyo State government, through the state’s Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), has joined the global community to mark World Water Day, stressing its commitment to ensuring sustainable access to clean and safe drinking water for citizens.
World Water Day is celebrated on March 22 each year to raise awareness about the global water crisis and the millions of people without access to safe water.
The day emphasises the importance of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6: Water and Sanitation for all by 2030.
In a statement by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on Sunday, March 23, the Chairman of Oyo RUWASSA, Babalola Afobaje, underscored the significance of this year’s theme: ‘Glacier Preservation’, emphasising the urgent need for glacier preservation.
He highlighted the critical role glaciers played in regulating the global water cycle, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining human livelihoods.
Afobaje described glaciers as one of the most visible indicators of climate change, warning that their rapid melting signaled alarming rise in global temperatures and alerts for imminent environmental dangers.
“Data from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) notes that glaciers store nearly 70 per cent of the world’s freshwater supply, making their loss a severe threat to water security, food production, and ecosystem stability,” he said.
Although Nigeria does not have glaciers, the Chairman stressed that their melting had far-reaching consequences, including rising sea level, coastal flooding, extreme weather events, and freshwater shortages.
He pointed out that climate-induced temperature increases were already affecting Nigeria’s agriculture, water availability, and disaster resilience.
Afobaje acknowledged the vital role of water in public health, environmental sustainability, and economic development, pointing out that the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration in the South-West state had prioritised investments in water infrastructure and resource management since assuming office in 2019.
He assured that the State government would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to expand access to potable water, enhance climate-resilient infrastructure, and strengthen policies that guaranteed a water-secure future for the State.
