The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Adedeji Ashiru, on Saturday led a team of staff members on a roadshow aimed at curbing water wastage and promoting sustainability.
The awareness campaign, which commenced from the agency’s headquarters in Abeokuta, was organized in commemoration of the 2025 World Water Day, themed “Glacier Preservation.”
As part of the sensitization effort, the OORBDA team engaged residents and traders at key locations, including Camp, Gbonagun, Ake, and Kuto markets, educating them on responsible water usage.
Speaking at Camp area, Abeokuta, Ashiru emphasized the urgency of addressing indiscriminate water use, warning that it posed a significant threat to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation.
He pointed out that despite nearing the end of March, rainfall had yet to begin, exacerbating the current heatwave.
He linked this phenomenon to poor water management practices, stating, “We are almost at the end of March yet the rain has not started, and we complain of so much heat as well, all of these have to do with how we mismanage our water resources.”
Ashiru further criticized excessive water consumption habits, such as prolonged use of showers, leaving taps running while brushing or washing, and failing to repair damaged water pipes, all of which contribute to water shortages and climate challenges.
He stressed, “Some of us can use five buckets of water to bath, some will stay under showers for 20 to 30 minutes, some while washing their plates or brushing teeth will leave the tap running.
“The water of pipes some people had been damaged but will not fix it and rather allow the water to waste away.
“All these wastages and inefficient use of water are the reason for the challenge of global warming and climate change which is causing drought, irregular rain patterns, sometimes flood and lots of terrible impact on our food production efforts.”
Urging Nigerians to embrace water conservation, the MD called on everyone to adopt responsible water usage and join in the movement to protect water resources.
Before launching the roadshow, Ashiru reaffirmed OORBDA’s commitment to sustainable water management, ensuring its availability for drinking, agriculture, and other essential uses.
Highlighting the significance of this year’s theme, he explained the critical role glaciers play in storing and gradually releasing freshwater, thereby sustaining millions of lives globally.
“Glaciers are often regarded as nature’s water towers, storing vast amounts of freshwater in the form of ice and gradually releasing it into rivers and lakes, sustaining millions of lives worldwide.”
He further warned of the consequences of glacier retreat due to climate change, citing rising global temperatures as a major threat to water security, weather patterns, and sea levels.
“As we reflect on the urgency of glacier preservation and sustainable water management, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to taking proactive steps that safeguard our water resources for present and future generations.
“At OORBDA, we remain resolute in our dedication to sustainable development, and we call on policymakers, researchers, civil society, and all stakeholders to collaborate in fostering innovative solutions that will secure our water future.”
Meanwhile, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, commended OORBDA’s leadership for its dedication to water resource management.
During the commissioning of a solar-powered borehole built by the agency at his palace, the monarch expressed appreciation for the facility while also joining in the advocacy for responsible water use.
He urged Nigerians to abandon wasteful water habits, emphasizing the importance of preserving this vital resource for future generations.
