The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has restated the vital role of water in sustaining life and development, highlighting its ubiquity and significance in various aspects of human existence, from drinking water and sanitation to livestock rearing, irrigation, biodiversity, transportation, and ecosystem stabilization.
Prof. Utsev made this known at the 2024 Annual Conference of the ’’Water Bodies and Development in Africa’’ focusing on the River Benue, held recently at Benue State University, Makurdi.
Represented by Mr. Mukaila Babarinde, Director of Water Supply Services at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Utsev noted that the growth and evolution of African cities and towns have historically depended on geographic location, physical environment, and socio-economic factors, all of which are closely tied to the presence of water due to its natural settings and the role it plays in enhancing the quality of lives, physical and socio-economic environment.
The Director of Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, in a statement on Thursday said, the Minister highlighted that the theme of this year’s conference, “Water Bodies and Development in Africa,” calls for action to address barriers hindering access to quality water and to ensure equitable distribution for all citizens, which may manifest as economic disparities, gender inequality, inadequate infrastructure, or systemic issues respectively.
The Minister emphasized that water resources have been central to socio-economic development activities and are crucial for adapting to climate change, serving as the vital link between society and the environment, with a particular focus on communities.
He therefore extolled the collaborative efforts of Civil Society Organizations, Government Agencies, and other Stakeholders in fostering sustainable development of the Benue watershed and stressed the importance of a holistic approach to policy reforms that prioritize water use as a fundamental human right and protection of river courses to maximize benefits for the ecosystems.
He commended the organizers and participants for their dedication to this noble cause and called for continued collaboration to safeguard the future by protecting watersheds and river systems.
The conference brought together distinguished stakeholders and experts dedicated to advancing knowledge on the importance of water and river systems as pivotal elements for civilization.
