The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has called for proper management of the country's rivers, canals and waterways as they serve not only the purposes of transportation and trade, they also support diverse forms of life which provide essential services to our communities.
Speaking during a sensitization and enlightenment campaign hosted by the Authority at Odo-Eran Ita-Iyalode, Owu, Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital yesterday, the Area Manager of NIWA for Abeokuta Area Office, Engr. Ipinmoroti Adeleye Segun insisted that the waters of the country are "our shared heritage" calling for constant attention and services.
Ipinmoroti pointed out that environmental degradation, aggravated by pollution, deforestation and climate change poses serious threat to the ecosystem and therefore affirmed the need for "our commitment to the protection and sustainability of these invaluable resources that enrich our environment and ensure our future.
During the campaign which was attended by many from diverse walks of life, the Area Manager averred that pollution of the environment affects water quality and ultimately the wellbeing of the people.
He urged the people residing by the banks of Ogun River, where the sensitization took place, to take informed decisions that would impact positively on the health of the ecosystem.
Ipinmoroti who spoke extensively in both English and Yoruba languages implored the people to understand the impact of their actions on the environment, hence dispose their wastes responsibly, especially their plastics and maintain sustainable practices in their daily lives.
During the interactive session with the people at the campaign ground, the NIWA helmsman explained that environmental sustainability cannot be achieved alone, he therefore called for active participation of schools, businesses, local governments, NGOs and individuals.
In his own contribution, Engr. Baba Gomina warned that excessive water withdrawal for irrigation, industry and drinking water could alter the ecosystem adding that industrial, agricultural and domestic wastes also contaminate the waterways.
To conserve the environment, Gomina advised reduction of our carbon footprint by using more of public transport, car pooling and driving electric vehicles as well as support renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
Speaking also during the campaign, Engr. Owolabi Olumuyiwa harped on sustainable management and restoration initiatives in preserving the ecological health of our shared resources for future generations.
He called for laws to protect the waterways such as the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) as well as International Cooperation in the management of shared resources.
Ogun State actively participated in the sensitization programme as the Commissioner for Environment was represented by Mrs Abosede Siyanbola while his colleague in the Ministry of Physical Planning was represented by TPL Musiliu Adelowo.
Also at the programme were school principals, Police officers, traditional rulers, CDA representatives, NSCDC officers, butchers, auto mechanics and sundry others.
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