Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev has charged researchers and stakeholders in Hydrological Sciences to mobilize efforts and build collaborations which would ensure adequate protection, conservation and sustainable management of both surface and underground water across the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 13th National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Hydrological Sciences (NAHS) held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) Lecture Theatre, University of Lagos (UNILAG) , Prof. Utsev stressed the need for researchers across all Hydrological Sciences-related disciplines to extend their efforts into policy reviews, interdisciplinary engagements and all forms of advocacies which would help address to press hydrological-related challenges as well as avert further drought especially at desert prone areas across Nigeria.
The minister who was represented by the Managing Director, Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Otunba Olufemi Odumosu identified water as critical to life and expressed concerns over the sustained impact of climate change on all water sources.
He therefore assured of the Federal Government’s willingness to collaborate and work with all stakeholders in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 which stipulates “access to water and sanitation for all”.
In her remarks to declare the conference open, Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos and Chief Host of the ceremony, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, described the Conference theme: Water, Environment and Society as apt particularly when viewed against the backdrop of its direct impact on all living beings.
The Vice-Chancellor who was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Professor Obanisola Sodiq expressed the commitment of the university management to improving standards by keeping pace with innovations across all courses, programmes and projects in the university.
She also reiterated commitment towards making UNILAG responsive to all national needs while also growing global relevance.
The event featured a keynote presentation by the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, Mrs. Funke Adepoju. She advocated the need for an integrated approach to resource management with a view to addressing challenges and ensuring the sustainability of water sources despite environmental pressures.
According to the guest speaker, “Water governance and the management of water resources require a holistic approach that prioritizes the needs of the society, the preservation of the environment and challenges posed by factors like climate change. Effective policies, stakeholder involvement and sustainable practices are therefore vital in achieving a balance between these often-competing interests”.
Mrs Adepoju solicited a responsible and sustainable approach to management and distribution of water as well as protection of ecosystems. She also urged stakeholders at the conference to recommit to dialogues and actions on water-related issues so as to achieve a sustainable, resilient and harmonious society where the water bodies, environment and society at large flourish together.
Earlier in an address to welcome participants, the National President of the National Association of Hydrological Sciences (NAHS), Professor Onemayin Jimoh described the gathering as another milestone in the Association’s commitment to building interdisciplinary collaborations in Hydrological Sciences.
The ceremony featured the presentation of the Second Lekan Oyebande Award for the Best Ph.D. Thesis in Hydrology and Water Resources to the winner, Dr Adedayo Oreoluwa Adewole of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Osun State; conferment of the NAHS Champion of Water Awards on deserving individuals including the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS as well as Presentation of NAHS Fellowship Awards.
Earlier in the day, the National President, National Association of Hydrological Sciences (NAHS), Professor Onemayin Jimoh accompanied by national officers and Local Organising Committee (LOC) members of the conference were guests of the UNILAG Management as they paid a courtesy visit to the 11th Floor, Senate House Office of the Vice-Chancellor.
The delegation was warmly received and welcomed to the University by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Lucian Chukwu along with the Acting Registrar, Mrs. O. E. Makinde; Bursar, Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Adekunle and Director of Academic Planning, Professor Mathew Ilori.
