By Talatu Maiwada
The Adamawa State Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr Audu Tanko has called for a collaborative approach in water management with a view to fostering peace, stability and prosperity in the country.
Tanko made the call during the commemoration of the 2024 World Water Day, on Friday in Yola.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 2024 World Water Day, with theme: “Leveraging Water for Peace,” aims at collaborating to solve water related issues and build resilience to shared challenges.
Represented by Mr Emmanuel Abana, Director DAMs, Tanko acknowledged the critical role water plays in fostering harmony and generating prosperity in communities.
According to him, When people have unequal or no access to water, tension can rise between communities and countries.
“Our collective cooperation and effort create a positive ripple effect, thus fostering harmony, generating prosperity and building resilience to shared challenges.
” This years theme, will help us work together to balance everyone’s needs with dedication to ensure no one is left behind from making water as catalyst for more peaceful community.”
Earlier, Mr James Siggi, Program Manager Grassroot Life Saving Outreach, an NGO, said water was essential for sustaining life and livelihoods which forms the foundation of human civilisation.
Siggi, in a paper titled,” Water for Peace in Adamawa State,” noted that water scarcity and mismanagement could lead to conflict, hence underscoring the need for effective water governance to prevent disputes and foster cooperation.
” This significant day serves as a reminder of the importance of fresh water and advocates for the sustainable management of fresh water resources.
” We call on government to prioritize water management in policies and investment, educate communities about water conservation, hygiene and conflict prevention.”
The Program Manager further called for continued collaboration and innovation in the field of water diplomacy while urging stakeholders to support water as a tool for peace.
Also, Malam Umar Sajo, WASH Sector Coordinator, Adamawa state, said the concept (WASH) Water Supply and Hygiene, ensures the supply of adequate clean and sanitised water in various communities in the state.
Sajo said the concept was also to ensure residence maintain personal hygiene such as proper hand washing, eliminating open defecation and ensuring clean environment for safe and clean water in communities.
He further mentioned that water supply in the state was coordinated through three agencies under the ministry of water resources.
“We have Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Secondly, Small Town Water Supply Agency and the Water Board.
” I therefore call on Adamawa residence to know the importance of water by practicing hygiene and safety in fostering peace and harmony in the state.”
