World Water Day is about taking generic and specific actions to tackle the global water crisis thus, achieving Sustainable Development. This year’s theme is, ‘valuing water’. – Engr Lynda Elesa, Chairman NIEE Abuja Chapter
Water is the most important resource on the planet and without it no human or any other form of life could survive. This is the emphasis as The Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers Celebrates World water Day 2021 on the 24th of March 2021.
A WASH Practitioner and the Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers, Abuja Chapter Engr. Lynda Bitrus Elesa MNSE, MNIEE stated during the commemoration of world water Day with students in Junior Secondary School Zone 1, Abuja, that Water as a critical environmental resources is finite, and in many areas in Nigeria and across the globe, it is becoming increasingly scarce. Hence its value extends to keeping economies functioning, supporting community livelihoods, and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
She said the day is to celebrate water and raise awareness. It is about taking generic and specific actions to tackle the global water crisis thus, achieving Sustainable Development. This year’s theme is, ‘valuing water’.
She iterated that understanding the value of water is essential if this ever-increasing scarce resource is to be more effectively and efficiently utilized to meet societal needs. valuing water requires considering water as a significant factor for existence on earth and It includes the environmental, social and cultural value people place on water.
This goes beyond Water being valued as an economic resource. Hence, failure to develop and use it in a sustainable manner places us at risk of mismanaging this important yet finite and scarce resources.
Engr Bitrus pointed that we must make deliberate effort to conserve water, protect our water sources and water shades and minimize water pollution, to reduce the extreme threat from population growth, human activities such as increasing demands of households, agriculture and industry, as well as the worsening impacts of climate change.
‘It is therefore paramount to note that, engaging the younger generation in appreciating the value of water through water clubs, competition and other programs within and outside their schools yields significant impact in terms of water usage, water conservation and pollution control’.
The Representative of the HOD Science, FCT Universal Basic Education Board Mr. Agaba Dunia welcomed the Members of the Institution and appreciated the principal JSS Zone 1 Mr. Bature Dennis for welcoming NIEE to the school. He stated that water is life and must save it and urged the student to learn and put what they have learnt to practice.
The student participated actively and made presentations on valuing water, The highlights of the events included STEM Education and Advocacy by Engr. Charity Joseph-Ojobo MNSE, Chairman World Water Day Celebration, the pledge to value water and the sensitization on Valuing Water as well as demonstration of handwashing with water as a strategy for Covid-19 prevention by Engr. Lynda Bitrus Elesa MNSE.
There was also presentation of Awards to best Science students by Engr. Abolade Razaki Lawal FNSE, Immediate Past Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers (NIWE) supported by Engr Akinwumi Akande MNSE the Past Chairman of NIWE Abuja Chapter and Engr Augustina Onwudiachi MNSE, an Exco Member of NIEE Abuja Chapter. The award recipients were as follows:
Okeke Goodluck – JSS1
Ibrahim safyya – JSS2
Ibrahim Rukkayya – JSS3
The event came to a close with words of appreciation from the school principal Mr. Bature Dennis who urged the student to become water ambassadors and congratulated the award recipient charging them to keep up the work while challenging other students to emulate them.