Oborevwori Promises More Investment In Clean Water Projects

By Onomiguren Agbamu

Delta State Governor has promised to invest more in clean water projects cross the state.

The state governor made the promise during the annual celebration of world water Day held in Asaba, the state capital, themed “World Water Day; Glacier Preservation”

The State Governor, who was ably represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Chief Ovie Agas, said this year’s celebration of the world water day reminds the individual the critical role that water plays in sustaining life and the urgent need to protect our water resources.

He disclosed that over 60 percent of the earth is covered by water, he, however, noted that to access clean and safe water remain a challenge in many parts of the world.

According to him, “this annual event, established by the United Nations, reminds us of the critical role that water plays in sustaining life and the urgent need to protect our water resources.”

“Over 60% of the earth is covered by water, yet access to clean and safe water remains a challenge in many parts of the world”

“The theme for this year’s World Water Day, Glacier Preservation, may seem distant from us in Delta State and Nigeria, as we do not have glaciers in our region. However, we must recognize that we live in an interconnected world.

“The melting of glaciers due to climate change has far-reaching consequences, affecting global water cycles, increasing the risk of flooding, and threatening biodiversity. What happens at the North and South Poles inevitably impacts us all”

“Across the globe, glaciers are disappearing at an alarming rate due to rising temperatures. Their retreat disrupts water supplies, causes landslides, and increases the frequency of floods and droughts. Here in Delta State, we have experienced firsthand.

“The devastating effects of climate change through recurring floods that displace communities, destroy livelihoods, and damage infrastructure.

“Our administration has prioritized proactive measures to mitigate the impact of flooding and climate change.

Under our M.O.R.E. Agenda, we have embarked on an ambitious infrastructural development plan, ensuring that all road projects include well-constructed drainage systems, and we are committed to adopting best practices to safeguard our communities from environmental hazards.

However, government efforts alone are not enough. I call on every Deltans to take responsibility for maintaining our environment and keep our drainages clear as we approach the rainy season, avoid indiscriminate waste disposal, which clogs our waterways and exacerbates flooding.

“I urge the developed world to take greater responsibility in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is a global challenge that requires collective action. Every nation must play its part in slowing down glacier melting and protecting our planet”.

“Water is vital to our survival. It nourishes our bodies, supports agriculture, and sustains industries. This is why our administration will continue to invest in clean water projects across Delta State”

The Governor, however, charge the Ministry of Water Resources Development to uphold transparency and efficiency in managing water projects. Deltans deserve access to potable water, and we will not tolerate substandard work or mismanagement of resources in this critical sector.

In his welcome address, the Honourable commissioner for water resources, Dr. Isaac Wilkie highlighted the importance of fresh water and advocated for sustainable management of fresh water resources

The commissioner said, the theme of each year of world water day focuses on topics relevant to clear water, sanitation, and hygiene {WASH›, which is in line with the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Dr. Wilkie noted that the world water day 2025 campaign encourages everyone to take action to protect and preserve glacier by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adopting transformative adaptation and mitigation strategies.

He said the Ministry of Water Resources Development has embraced reduction of carbon emissions by converting most of its fossil fuel generator based motorizes schemes into solar-powered models and public power supply.

Wilkie, however, commended the Governor for what he is doing in the water sector, particularly in rural and small towns and the riverine areas inclusive for providing clean and portable water for them.

Also, Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sonny Ekedayen, in a goodwill message, highlighted the importance of water to life as he stresses the need to preserve the glaciers to guarantee safe sources of fresh water.

“The Glacier, like somebody rightly said, consists of 70% of the world’s water reservoir. So, that means, primarily, it is our source of fresh water. So, whatever happens to it will, of course, affect the entirety of humanity. So, on our part, it behold us to be very responsible with the way we manage this particular scarce resource. We lucky in this part of the world we have abundant rainfall, rivers and tributaries which we most times take for granted.”