Oyo promises increased access to potable water

The Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency has promised to continue to collaborate with relevant partners to increase access to portable water for citizens.

The chairman of the agency, Babalola Afobaje, made this statement in Ibadan, the state capital, during a release marking this year’s World Water Day.

Afobaje also acknowledged the indispensable role of water in public health, environmental sustainability, and economic development, noting that since assuming office in 2019, Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration had made significant investments in water infrastructure and resource management to address these issues.

 “The Oyo State Government will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to expand access to potable water, enhance climate-resilient infrastructure, and strengthen policies that ensure a water-secure future for the state,” he said.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Glacier Preservation,” Afobaje underscored the urgent need for glacier protection, citing their crucial role in regulating the global water cycle, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining human livelihoods.

Afobaje pointed out that glaciers are one of the most visible indicators of climate change.

He warned that their rapid melting signals an alarming rise in global temperatures, bringing imminent environmental threats.

Although Nigeria does not have glaciers, Afobaje highlighted that their melting has far-reaching global consequences, including rising sea levels, coastal flooding, extreme weather events, and freshwater shortages that could directly affect Nigeria.

The chairman stressed that climate-induced temperature increases are already impacting Nigeria’s agriculture, water availability, and disaster resilience.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, glaciers store nearly 70% of the world’s freshwater supply, making their loss a severe threat to water security, food production, and ecosystem stability.

World Water Day, celebrated annually on March 22, serves to raise awareness about the global water crisis and the millions of people without access to safe water.

The day also emphasises the importance of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6: ensuring water and sanitation for all by 2030.