FEDERAL GOVERNMENT UNVEILS THE UNESCO CHAIR ON INTEGRATED FLOOD MANAGEMENT AND WATER RESOURCES
The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation (FMWR&S), Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, FNSE, on Wednesday 4th December 2024, Unveiled the UNESCO Chair on Integrated Flood Management and Water Resources at the opening of A Two-Day Workshop of Nigeria UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), on Water Resources Management for Food Security and Sustainable livelihoods In Nigeria, holding between Wednesday 4th- Thursday 5th December 2024 in Abuja.
The Minister speaking noted that UNESCO Chair is a team led by research Institution that partners with UNESCO on projects to advance knowledge and improve understanding and control of flood risk.
Engr. Utsev underscored the need for a knowledge-based Information that would enable us judge our actions and adapt to what seems best, with regards to the Climate and Meteorological condition experienced over the years which has gradually increased river flood levels and flood frequency.
He highlighted the vital role of the UNESCO Chair, maintaining that it serves as a platform designed to promote research/ training that would help in building, interpreting and disseminating the base knowledge in water and environment sectors.
He further appreciated the UNESCO for their continuous support towards advancing knowledge in water science, and expressed optimism that the workshop will provide a veritable platform for discussions and contributions on water resources management for food security and sustainable livelihoods.
Earlier in his welcome address, the chairman National (IHP), Prof. O.D. Jimoh, conveyed gratitude to the UNESCO for establishing a Chair in integrated flood management and water resources at Federal University of Technology Minna, to foster resilience and empower communities worldwide to face disaster challenges.
He underscored the need for effective catchment of water resources management to ensure the availability of water for agriculture, domestic activities, with regards to challenges of climate change, population growth and poor water management practices, which has exacerbated water scarcity, food security and livelihoods.
Prof. Jimoh further stated that the reliability of the supply of groundwater, quality and temperature, relatively good turbidity and pollution free, minimal evaporation losses among others make groundwater more attractive stressing the need to assess the resource with a view to providing the necessary scientific information for policy, planning and sustainable management.
In his Goodwill message, the Director General Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar Ibrahim Mohammed called for cooperation, for a brighter and most secured future for the Country.
While the Head of UNESCO Abuja office and Representative of UNESCO to Nigeria, Mr Abdourahamane Diallo, in his remarks emphasized the need for countries to put in place sustainable mechanism to manage their water resources.
He noted that UNESCO works to build the scientific knowledge base as well as develop strategies to help countries manage their water resources in a sustainable way through intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP).
Other highlights of the programme includes, paper presentations, discussions, questions and answers for effective decision making.
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