By Fatima Saka
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, FNICE, FNIWE, has restated the indispensable role of water in sustaining life and development, underscoring its omnipresence and significance in various facets of human existence, encompassing potable water, sanitation, livestock husbandry, irrigation, biodiversity, transportation, and ecosystem equilibrium.
The Minister, represented by Mr. Mukaila Babarinde, Director of Water Supply Services at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, articulated this viewpoint at the 2024 Annual Conference centered on the theme “Water Bodies and Development in Africa,” with a specific focus on the River Benue, held at Benue State University, Makurdi on Monday.
Prof. Utsev observed that the development and progression of African urban centers and settlements have traditionally hinged on geographical positioning, environmental characteristics, and socio-economic variables, all intricately connected to the presence of water owing to its natural settings and its role in enriching the quality of life, both physically and socio-economically.
He underscored that this year’s conference theme, “Water Bodies and Development in Africa,” necessitates concerted efforts to surmount obstacles impeding access to quality water and to ensure equitable distribution among all citizens, which may manifest as economic disparities, gender inequity, inadequate infrastructure, or systemic challenges respectively.
The Honourable Minister accentuated that water resources have been pivotal to socio-economic development endeavors and are imperative for adapting to climate variations, acting as the vital conduit between society and the environment, with a specific emphasis on local communities.
He lauded the collaborative initiatives of Civil Society Organizations, Government Agencies, and other Stakeholders in promoting the sustainable development of the Benue watershed, emphasizing the significance of a comprehensive approach to policy revisions that prioritize water utilization as an inherent human entitlement and safeguarding river basins to optimize advantages for the ecosystems.
He commended the organizers and participants for their unwavering commitment to this noble cause and urged for continued cooperation to preserve the future by safeguarding watersheds and river networks.
The conference convened distinguished stakeholders and experts dedicated to advancing comprehension of the significance of water and river systems as pivotal components for civilization.
