The Ilaje Water Security Project Research Team of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, University of Lagos (ACU-UNILAG), on Friday, May, 23, 2025, held a stakeholders’ engagement to formally present its research findings as well as detailed action plan aimed at achieving water security in Ilaje Community, Bariga, Lagos.
The high-level meeting was held at the Faculty of Science Boardroom, UNILAG, with key stakeholders from the Ilaje community, officials from the Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), representatives of relevant government agencies and selected researchers.
The result dissemination meeting marked the culmination of the team’s project titled Identification of Water Security Solutions and Climate Change Adaptation through Citizen Science and Co-Creation in Low and Middle-Income Countries: Case Study of the Ilaje Community, Bariga, Lagos. It provided a platform for knowledge sharing and policy dialogue on water security and climate adaptation in Ilaje community.
During the session, the research team led by Dr. Temitope Sogbanmu, outlined practical strategies, methods and stages of the project. She particularly appreciated community leaders and residents of Ilaje community for their reception and overwhelming participation which facilitated the success achieved.
The University Librarian, Professor Olatokunbo Okiki who was present at the meeting, applauded the research team for the quality of work done. He, however, raised concerns over the huge waste deposits, poor sewage systems and the lack of portable, safe and consumable water in the community. He noted that these issues are peculiar to ilaje communities irrespective of location.
The event gave room for a stakeholders’ engagement as community representatives, as well as officials of the Lagos State Water Corporation (LSWC), Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) and other relevant government agencies shared their concerns and made recommendations with a view to adding value to the project’s outcomes.
Stakeholders also commended the collaborative nature of the research, particularly its emphasis on citizen science and co-creation as effective tools for community empowerment.
The findings of the ACU-UNILAG Ilaje Water Security Project Research Team which were highlighted through different audiovisual productions, showed both the challenges and opportunities within Ilaje community.
It offered sustainable solutions specifically tailored towards achieving the provision of steady, safe and consumable water; effective waste management; and environmentally safe latrine and sewage system across the length and breadth of Ilaje community.
The action plan recommended by the team highlighted the importance of government intervention for water infrastructure, maintenance and water treatment facilities as well as community awareness on waste and sewage management.
These recommendations are expected to guide future interventions and policy formulations for water resources management and climate adaptation in Ilaje.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Michael Joshua
