UBRBDA Acting MD commemorates world rivers day with tree planting
The acting managing director of Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA), Eng. Caleb T. Tyowuah has called for the preservation and protection of Rivers and in-land water ways due to their immense contribution to the socio economic well being of the country.
Tyowuah who made the call during the commemoration of the World Rivers Day (WRD) at Chouchi irrigation project on Monday in Yola urged all and sundry to put hands on deck to protect the highly precious gift of nature considering the Incredible natural, cultural and recreational values of Rivers and streams.
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To demonstrate the commitment of his organization at protecting Rivers and in-land water ways, Tyowuah planted assorted trees along the River Chouchi bank and participated in cleaning the river from pollutants.
He noted that the theme of this year’s WRD “protect our rivers” was apt considering how Nigerian rivers come under severe pollution which greatly undermines their natural roles in the ecosystem.
” Today’s ceremony marks the third successful years since Nigeria joined over 60 other countries worldwide in celebrating the beauty, importance and significance of our Rivers, which are vital lifelines that sustained life on our planet earth.
“The importance of Rivers to all creatures are numerous which include Irrigation activities for enhanced food sufficiency, improve survival of ecosystems and aquatic biodiversity, transportation of goods and people, promoting tourism, offering recreational opportunities and mental health benefits among other basic needs.
“However, despite these huge roles and importance Rivers play in our livelihood, they are not left without threats that degrades their state and damaged the sustainable economic impact that local communities rely on.
” It is in this regard that World Rivers Day is annually observed to raise and spread awareness of the threats that could potentially endanger the waterways around the world, to promote the improved stewardship of all waterways for sustainable development.
“It is pertinent to stress here that in Nigeria greater percentage of our drinking water comes from rivers and streams. Hence, this years’ sub-theme: Protect our Rivers from Pollution; should be given utmost consideration and acted upon religiously to save our rivers from being sources of disease carriers rather than life sustenance,” he said.
Tyowuah added that a number of harmful and detrimental human activities constitute significant threat to the survival of rivers across Nigeria calling for a change of attitude for a sustainable solution for the benefit of the ecosystem.
“Our Rivers are greatly endangered by human activities like deforestation, dumping of refuse and building along the waterways which constitute serious effect such as floods that result to outbreak of epidemics like diarrhea and breading of mosquitoes due to stagnant water.
“I urge you all to join government campaigns and efforts to cure those practises to allow free flow of water in our existing river channels and drainages,” he noted.
Also speaking, Safiya Muhammad Abubakar, a controller in the federal ministry of environment Yola field office reiterated the need for all stakeholders to ensure the preservation of rivers in view of their immense economic benefit to the country.
“Our rivers are the veins through which the lifeblood of our nation flows. They sustain our agriculture, provide water for our homes and industries, and nourish the ecosystems that countless plants, animals, and human communities depend on.
“Sadly, over the years, our rivers have come under increasing threat from human activity-pollution, deforestation, climate change, and over-exploitation have left many of them diminished and endangered. This World Rivers Day, we recommit ourselves to the task of safeguarding these critical natural resources.
“The Upper Benue River is not just a body of water. It is an ecosystem upon which thousands of lives depend. Farmers rely on it for irrigation, providing the water that helps grow the food that feeds our nation. Fishermen depend on its healthy waters for their livelihoods. Local communities drink from it, cook with it, and use it to sustain their daily lives.
“Beyond its immediate benefits, the river plays a crucial role in maintaining the broader health of our environment. It regulates temperatures, helps recharge groundwater, supports wetlands, and is essential in controlling floods. Without healthy rivers, we will see more devastating floods and droughts, unpredictable weather patterns, and a sharp decline in agricultural productivity.
“The economic benefits of our rivers are undeniable, but we must be conscious of the fact that if we fail to protect them, these benefits will cease to exist. Without proper management, the rivers that sustain our food security, provide energy through hydropower, and support industries, will degrade, leaving us vulnerable to economic shocks.
“One of the most effective ways to protect our rivers is through tree planting. Trees act as a shield, protecting rivers from the harmful effects of deforestation and soil erosion. When we plant trees along riverbanks, we prevent sediments and pollutants from entering the water. The roots of these trees also hold the soil together, ensuring that our rivers do not shrink due to erosion.
“Tree planting also helps with carbon sequestration, playing a vital role in combating climate change. By planting trees, we help to protect our rivers while simultaneously addressing the larger global challenge of climate change.
” I am assuring this gathering that the Federal Ministry of Environment, it’s Agency NAGGW in collaboration with the Upper Benue River Basin Authority, and the communities will embark on a major tree- planting campaign in communities along the river.
“This initiative will focus on planting indigenous trees that not only protect the river but also provide shade, fruits, and economic opportunities for local communities,” she said.
While reiterating it’s resolve towards a sustainable environment for the benefit of all, Adamawa State government said it has placed premium on the conservation of water, forest and all forms of natural resources.
Adamawa State commissioner of environment Mohammed Sadiq during his speech added that based on the resolve, the state government has placed a ban on cutting of trees and making firewood in the state.
He noted that the state government with support from development partners has planted over 1.5 million trees in order to save the state from the unsavory consequences of climate change.
Sadiq who urged the people of the state to borrow a leaf from the state government noted that the effect of climate change has manifested in drought in many local governments while it manifested as severe flood in other local governments.
He noted that out of the 21 local governments of the state only seven were spared from flooding or drought adding that such development has the potential of exacerbating food crisis in Nigeria.
Various stakeholders including traditional rulers and officials of line ministries also called for action towards preserving rivers and water ways due to their immense benefits to mankind.
