The Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Abeokuta Branch, Engr. Olumayowa Ayodeji Idowu, has emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders and the adoption of inclusive policies to strengthen water governance in Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.
Penpushing reports that he made the call while addressing participants at the 2026 Ogun State World Water Day Celebration held on Tuesday, at the June 12 Cultural Centre Cinema Hall, Abeokuta.
The well attended event, themed “Water and Gender: Advancing Inclusive Water Governance’, attracted key stakeholders from government, development agencies, and the water sector among others.
Penpushing further reports that Idowu represented by Engr. Temitope Aboyeji, National Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers, pointed out that access to clean and safe water remains uneven, with women and vulnerable groups bearing the greatest burden.
The Chairman described inclusive water governance as both a developmental imperative and a moral responsibility, stressing that engineers have a vital role to play in addressing these challenges through the delivery of sustainable infrastructure, innovative solutions, and effective policy frameworks that cater to all segments of society.
Penpushing also reports that the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs and Water Resources, Hon. Damilola Otubanjo, in his welcome speech stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in achieving sustainable water access and governance in Ogun State.
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving water infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to potable water for residents across the state.
Penpushing reports that, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Adedeji Ahsiru, in his keynote address, spoke extensively on the theme of the event.
The major highlights of the celebration was the unveiling of Gateway Water, a state-backed bottled water initiative aimed at improving access to safe and potable water in Ogun State.
Penpushing further reports that the programme equally featured a panel discussion on “Bridging the Gap in Water Governance: Policy to Practice in Ogun State,” with Engr. Idowu contributing to the discourse.
The Engineer reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Abeokuta Branch to partner with government and other stakeholders through technical expertise, policy advisory, and capacity building to ensure equitable and sustainable water access for all.
Penpushing also reports that the students of Elyon College, Abeokuta, in same vein, presented on water sustainability, offering valuable insights from a youth perspective, while the event concluded with a renewed call for collective action towards achieving inclusive and sustainable water governance in Ogun State.
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