The maiden edition of World Rivers Day has been marked in Abeokuta, Ogun State with a call on state and local government authorities to work with the federal government in ensuring healthy waters and vibrant waterways.
A Professor of Geology, Owolabi Ajayi made the call during the event put together by the Ogun Osun River Basin Authority, OORBDA, in Abeokuta at a community along Ogun River Channel.
Professor Ajayi advised Nigerians to manage solid wastes properly to prevent river pollution and flooding while advocating a mechanism for rivers policing as well as the introduction of water management in the nation’s school curriculum.
Addressing the gathering, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of OORBDA, Olufemi Odumosu sought the people’s support in keeping the rivers clean and avoiding the use of substances that could contaminate local waterways and aquatic resources.
Earlier, the Executive Director, Planning and Design of Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority, Engineer Adewale Adeoye had identified pollution, climate change and rapid urbanization as some of the factors threatening the survival of rivers.
The World Rivers Day celebration with the theme “Water Ways In Our Communities” attracted traditional rulers, community leaders and top government officials who took part in tree planting along the banks of Ogun River as well as a road show and cleaning of the waterways.
Oluremi Olugbenro.
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