OGUN-OSHUN RBDA CELEBRATE WORLD RIVERS DAY WITH FUNFAIR
The Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority in line with the policy thrust of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation celebrated the 2023 edition of the World Rivers Day on Monday, 25th of September 2023 at the Osun River Channel in Osogbo.
Picture 1: The MD/CEO giving a welcome speech at the
symposium.
The event which was sub themed "Rights of Rivers" is aimed at showcasing the incredible natural, cultural and recreational values of rivers and streams in our communities and the extent of which they add to our quality of life.
The Executive Director (Planning & Design) of the Authority, Engr. Azeez Adeoye, FNSE FNIWE in his welcome address explained that water bodies receive waste that are industrial, agricultural and domestic sources which has affected the normal hydrochemistry of the rivers, decreases its capacity at various points resulting in flood disasters around the river.
These he said are aspects of the Right of Rivers that needs to be protected as a
custodian of the rivers in the four States of Ogun, Osun, Oyo and Lagos States.
Picture 2: staff members during the road show
While delivering his keynote address at the event, the Managing Director/ CEO, Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority, Otunba Olufemi Odumosu, FNIWE said that the significance of Rivers lies in the fact that they are considered as the backbone, lifeblood and building blocks of human civilization and settlement, as the earliest known human civilization emerged on the banks of major rivers all over the world.
Odumosu hoped that this year’s celebration would afford the people the opportunity to know and further appreciate our Rivers and accord them due respect in ensuring cleanliness and its protection from other human activities which may cause its damage and extinction.
Odumosu therefore, advised the citizens to always engage in what are necessary to keep the rivers safe as a measure to prevent dumping of waste as well as defecation on the rivers.
Picture 3: The MD/CEO advising the citizens on water
sanitation.
Goodwill messages were said by the Permanent Secretary, Osun State Ministryof Water Resources and Energy, Engr. Olusola Ajao; the representative of the General Manager, Fresh FM, Osogbo, Mr. John Adejuwon; and a community leader, Elder Adeleke Kamoru.
Picture 4: The MD/CEO Engr. Otunba Olufemi Odumosu, Engr. Olusola Ajao, Mr. John Adejuwon, Elder Adeleke Kamoru, Students of the Police academy and some Ogun Oshun RBDA staff members.
The event featured a road show which took off from OkeFia area of the town down to Osun River channel at Gbodofon for the symbolic tree planting and cleaning of the river bank.
Picture 5: The MD/CEO planting a tree during the symbolic tree planting and riverbank cleaning.
A paper on the theme of the programme was delivered by the National Chairman of Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers, Engr. Adeyinka Sobowale FNIWE at symposium held to round up the activities of the day.
