2024 World Water Day: Governor Ayedatiwa Outlines Efforts to Ensure Access to Safe Water.

2024 World Water Day: Governor Ayedatiwa Outlines Efforts to Ensure Access to Safe Water.

In celebration of World Water Day 2024, the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to providing safe and potable water for all residents of the state.

The event, held in Akure, saw Governor Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Temitayo Oluwatuyi, highlight the significant strides made by his administration in tackling the state's water challenges. The Governor recalled that upon taking office, only four percent of the population had access to potable water, primarily due to the neglect of water infrastructure.

However, through strategic investments in water restoration and expansion projects, this figure has notably increased. By 2020, 17.6 percent of the population had access to clean water, with the current figure standing at over 38 percent. Governor Aiyedatiwa underscored ongoing efforts to further improve water infrastructure, including the rehabilitation and reticulation of the Owena Multipurpose Dam, which serves six local government areas for the first phase, and plans to spread to other local government areas in due course.

The Governor also spoke about the "Ômi-Irorun" Water Policy, under which the administration aims to extend access to safe water to schools and eradicate open defecation by providing adequate sanitation facilities. He stressed the state's commitment to collaborating with international agencies and local communities to ensure sustainable water management.

The theme of this year's World Water Day, "Leveraging Water for Peace," was a focal point of the Governor's address. He stressed the vital role of water in fostering peace and stability within communities, urging residents to use water facilities responsibly and to appreciate the government's efforts to provide this essential resource.

Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Sanitation, and Hygiene, Hon. Sunday Akinwalire, highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing the global water crisis. He detailed his ministry's achievements, including the construction of boreholes and the rehabilitation of water infrastructure, and called for continued cooperation with relevant bodies to achieve universal access to clean water.

The Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Victoria Opeyemi Adetoye, also emphasized the importance of water in promoting peace and stability. She stressed the need for ongoing cooperation to reach the desired goals of improved water accessibility and quality of life for all residents.

The event featured a lecture by Prof. Benjamin Bankole of Ekiti State University, who spoke on the theme "Water for Peace."

The celebration was attended by a diverse group of dignitaries, including politicians, government officials, technocrats, traditional and religious leaders, union leaders, market women, and students, reflecting the wide-reaching support for the state's water initiatives.

This World Water Day celebration in Ondo State stands as a testament to the government's dedicated efforts to improve water accessibility and ensure a better quality of life for all its residents.

Signed:

Olukoju Clement; Communication Desk Officer, ODWC (PIU)