Water, sanitation, food security critical to national development –FG
By Isaiah Eka
Mr Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has stated that water, sanitation, and food security are essential to Nigeria’s development.
Pheelangwah made this remark at the 31st regular meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation (NCWR&S) in Uyo on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the meeting is “Water and Food Security: Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of Daunting Climate Change”.
The permanent secretary, who also serves as the Council’s Chairman, noted that water, sanitation, and food security have a direct impact on public health, economic productivity, and environmental sustainability.
He urged the National Technical Committee, which is holding a five-day session, to identify challenges and propose solutions through the memoranda to be presented.
“The theme of this year’s Council meeting was carefully chosen to reflect the critical importance of water, food security, and the negative impacts of climate change on our people.
“This theme is timely, as it could not have come at a better moment.
“It is important that we continue to meet because what we know today may not hold tomorrow.
“Life keeps evolving, and we must evolve with it; otherwise, what we considered relevant yesterday becomes obsolete today,” he said.
He further noted that President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency on food security necessitates action from relevant ministries and authorities to ensure adequate irrigation and year-round farmland cultivation for food production.
The permanent secretary also commended the Akwa Ibom State Government and development partners for their unwavering support of the ministry’s efforts.
In her remarks, Mrs Emah Udonsek, Permanent Secretary of the Akwa Ibom Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasised that water and food security are fundamental to human survival, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
She noted the timeliness of the theme, noting its focus on sustainable water resource management and food security for Nigerians.
“The theme also underscores the urgent need for action, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change,” she said.
Udonsek added that the future of food security and water availability is closely tied to the nation’s ability to adapt to climate change.
NAN reports that development partners and key stakeholders delivered goodwill messages during the opening session of the technical meeting. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
