By Akpan Glory

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has unveiled the NIHSA Hydro Club to engage young people in water resource management, environmental conservation, and climate resilience.

The initiative was unveiled on Friday at Government Secondary School (GSS), Kubwa, Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, Technical Adviser Jabo Maigima noted the growing environmental challenges facing Nigeria, including climate change, water scarcity, and ecological degradation.

He emphasised the role of young people in promoting sustainability, noting that the club would equip students not only with scientific knowledge but also with a sense of responsibility.

“Through the NIHSA Hydro Club, you are not just learning about the science of water resources, you are becoming advocates for conservation, for wise usage, and for the protection of our ecosystems,” Maigima said.

He outlined several benefits of the club, including skills development, civic responsibility, exposure to new opportunities, teamwork, and confidence building.

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Director Abdulkadir Mohammad, from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, stated that the Hydro Club would serve as a hub for research, innovation, and capacity building.

He noted that the club would nurture future professionals who would contribute not only to water security but also to national development.

“To manage water efficiently, we must invest in technologies that enhance our capacity to predict, plan, and protect.

“Real-time data, smart hydrological networks, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence must form an integral part of our national water strategy”.

Mohammad warned that water scarcity is already a reality in homes, on farms, and in industries across the country.

He cited rising population growth, urban expansion, and the intensifying effects of climate change as key drivers of increasing demand amid limited supply.

He also spoke on the challenges of flooding, noting that it is no longer a seasonal occurrence but has become erratic and destructive, leading to the displacement of families, damaged infrastructure, disrupted livelihoods, and setbacks in development.

“To effectively address flooding, we must prioritise Integrated Flood Management, combining infrastructure such as dams and drainage systems, with nature-based solutions, including wetland restoration, watershed protection, and afforestation,” he said.

Mohammad called for greater community participation, particularly among young people, encouraging Hydro Club members to lead flood awareness campaigns, conduct local surveys, and advocate for change.

“Water is not only a social good; it is an economic driver, efficient water management supports agriculture, generates hydroelectric power, strengthens manufacturing, and sustains public health and sanitation. It underpins every aspect of our economy”.

In his remarks, the Principal of GSS Kubwa, Mr Anderson Oseh, thanked NIHSA for selecting the school as the launch site for the Hydro Club. He pledged to ensure the sustainability of the club’s activities.

“We will ensure that every student participates in the club’s activities, not only to educate our pupils but also to spread the message to other schools,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade