By Fatima Saka
On the sideline of marking the 2025 World Rivers Day, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has sensitized communities on the importance of rivers preservation, calling on the dwellers to take ownership of protecting rivers.
Prof Utsev also warned that negligence could turn them from sources of life into sources of disaster.
The minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, made this call on Monday while planting trees in commemoration of World Rivers Day at Wupa River in Gbesa community, Abuja.
He stressed that rivers must be seen as “living systems” that sustain communities, agriculture, biodiversity, and national development.
“Rivers are not just geographical features on the map, but living systems that sustain our lives, feed our communities, and anchor our development,” Utsev said through the Permanent Secretary.
He highlighted pressing challenges facing Nigeria’s rivers, including pollution, deforestation, erosion, and the growing impacts of climate change.
The day’s activities featured a symbolic river cleaning and tree planting exercise, which he described as vital for preventing erosion, reducing siltation, sustaining aquatic life, and providing natural defenses against flooding.
“The planting of trees here today goes beyond beautifying the riverbank to investing in the health of this river and the well-being of the communities it serves,” he added.
While reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to strengthening policies, empowering River Basin Development Authorities, and improving flood control measures, Utsev emphasized that the government alone cannot achieve the task.
“Communities, civil society, private sector actors, and especially our young people must all take ownership by deliberately becoming river guardians,” he urged.
The minister commended the organizers and participants for their symbolic acts of stewardship, noting that their efforts affirm Nigeria’s readiness to safeguard rivers for present and future generations.
While delivering a goodwill message, Mr. Irikefe V. Dafe, the Executive Director of the Foundation for Conservation of Nigerian Rivers (RETFON), called on Nigerians to recommit to safeguarding the nation’s rivers, stressing that clean rivers are vital to healthy communities, resilient economies, and thriving ecosystems.
He highlighted the critical importance of healthy rivers to ecosystems, livelihoods, and the country’s cultural heritage.
“This year’s theme, ‘Clean Rivers, Healthy Communities,’ resonates deeply with our mission,” he said. “Nigeria is blessed with an intricate network of rivers, from the majestic Niger and Benue to countless smaller waterways, that nourish our lands, sustain biodiversity, and define cultures.”
He, however, warned that pollution, sand mining, deforestation, climate change, and poor waste management continue to place immense pressure on the country’s water resources, resulting in water scarcity, flooding, declining fish stocks, and the erosion of natural heritage.
Despite these challenges, Dafe expressed optimism, noting that communities across Nigeria are taking action through river clean-ups, conservation projects, and policy advocacy. “Our Foundation proudly supports such efforts through education, advocacy, and grassroots collaboration,” she added.
He urged individuals, institutions, and government to step up efforts to restore and protect Nigeria’s rivers through sustainable governance, investment in restoration projects, stricter enforcement of environmental laws, and education of the next generation.
“As we celebrate today, may we remember that the health of our rivers reflects the health of our society,” he said. “Let us stand together for our rivers, for today, for tomorrow, and for generations to come.”
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In his welcome remarks, Dr. Alj Musa Yesu, the Etsu Gbesna of Gbesa community, extended a warm welcome to the minister.
He emphasized the challenges faced by the community, particularly the issue of water contamination, noting that people often have no choice but to drink from the river. “We urge for the construction of quality access roads,” he added.
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