**World Rivers Day 2024 Commemorative Event in Abuja: A Call for Collective Action to Protect Rivers**
World Rivers Day, celebrated annually, is a prime opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of rivers, which are crucial to the lives of communities and the balance of ecosystems. The 2024 edition of the day, marked by a memorable event in Abuja, highlighted the imperative to protect these precious natural resources from pollution and flooding.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, particularly stressed the need for collective action to preserve the country’s rivers from threats. Indeed, these waterways play a crucial role in the water cycle, the economy, the ecosystem and sustainable development. Their protection from pollution and flooding is essential for present and future generations.
This year’s commemorative event, though marked by a tragic situation following the recent floods in Borno State, was an opportunity to reiterate the importance of disaster preparedness. The measures taken to assess the Alau Dam and avert future tragedies demonstrated the government’s commitment to the safety of citizens.
Minister Utsev emphasized the vital role of Benue riparian states such as Adamawa, Taraba and Benue in flood prevention. He encouraged these governments to remain vigilant, clear drainage channels and relocate residents from flood-prone areas. Furthermore, he underscored the commitment of the Federal Government to protect Nigeria’s rivers from pollution, calling on stakeholders to view these waterways as living entities deserving legal rights and protections.
At the gathering, Dr. Bello Goronyo, the State Water Resources Officer, emphasized the importance of rivers and dams to daily life and national development. He warned of the adverse impact of activities that are detrimental to rivers on the safety of dams and water resources. He called for cooperation between government, stakeholders and the media to enhance public awareness and prevent misinformation on dam safety, calling for support for sustainable water management.
Goodwill messages delivered by representatives of the National Water Resources Institute, Kaduna, the Nigerian Integrated Water Resources Management Commission and NIHSA all underscored the need for collective action to protect the country’s waterways. They stressed the importance of regular monitoring of these vital resources.
The event concluded with a symbolic tree planting and cleaning of the banks of Lake Jabi in Abuja. These powerful gestures highlighted the importance of protecting rivers and water bodies, reminding participants of the urgency of preserving these precious resources.
Ultimately, the celebration of World Rivers Day in Nigeria in 2024 was marked by passionate calls for action to protect our rivers from the dangers that threaten them. This event reaffirmed the commitment of the authorities and stakeholders to preserve these waterways that are essential to our survival. It is up to all of us to care for our rivers, preserve them from harmful practices and promote sustainable management of these precious natural resources.