The Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority in line with the policy thrust of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources celebrated the 2nd edition of the World Rivers Day 2022 on Monday.
At the event which took place at the O-ORBDA area office complex/Ona River Channel, Ibadan, ur was themed ‘Rights of rivers’, which was 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.
Executive director (planning and design) at the agency? Engr. Adewale Adeoye, in his opening address explained that “this water body receives waste that are industrial, agricultural and from domestic sources which has affected the normal hydro-chemistry of the river, decreases its capacity at various points resulting in flood disasters around the river.
“This,” he said, “is part of the rights of rivers that needs to be protected as a custodian of the rivers in the four states of Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Lagos.”
Also, while delivering the keynote address, Olufemi Olayemi Odumosu, who is the managing director of the agency, hoped that this year’s celebration would afford the citizenry 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, therefore encouraged citizens to do what is necessary to keep the rivers safe.
Goodwill messages were said by representatives of the Oyo State commissioner for agriculture and rural development, Mr Lawal Dele who is the director of fisheries in the ministry, representative of the chairman, Ibadan South West Local Government, Mrs Olatunde Olufunmi, Baálé of Oluyole community, High Cheif Yemi Ogunyemi and national chairman-elect of Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers, Engr Dr. Adeyinka Sobowale.
The event featured a road show which took up from Liberty Stadium down to Ona River in Oluyole Estate where trees were planted in the river Bank and cleaning of the river area after which a symposium was held at the Authority’s Ibadan Area Office, Ring Road, Ibadan
