ABEOKUTA — The Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Abeokuta Branch, Engr. Olumayowa Ayodeji Idowu, FNSE, has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders and the adoption of inclusive policies to improve water governance in Ogun State and across Nigeria.
Engr. Idowu made this call at the 2026 Ogun State World Water Day Celebration held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the June 12 Cultural Centre Cinema Hall, Abeokuta. The event, themed “Water and Gender: Advancing Inclusive Water Governance,” attracted key stakeholders from government, development agencies, and the water sector.
Represented by Engr. Temitope Aboyeji, FNSE, National Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers, the NSE Chairman stressed that access to clean and safe water remains uneven, often disproportionately affecting women and vulnerable groups. He noted that inclusive water governance is both a developmental necessity and a moral obligation.
According to him, engineers have a crucial role to play in bridging this gap through the provision of sustainable infrastructure, innovative solutions, and sound policy frameworks that take into account the needs of all segments of society.
In his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs and Water Resources, Hon. Damilola Otubanjo, emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in achieving sustainable water access and governance in the state.
Also speaking, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, who was 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 all residents.
The Guest Speaker, Engr. Adedeji Ahsiru, FNSE, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority, delivered a keynote address aligned with the theme of the event.
A major highlight of the programme was the unveiling of Gateway Water, a state-backed bottled water initiative aimed at improving access to safe and potable water across Ogun State.
The event also featured a panel discussion on “Bridging the Gap in Water Governance: Policy to Practice in Ogun State,” with Engr. Idowu actively contributing to the discourse. Students of Elyon College, Abeokuta, also made a presentation on water sustainability, adding a youth perspective to the discussions.
In his closing remarks, Engr. Idowu reiterated the commitment of the NSE Abeokuta Branch to collaborate with government and other stakeholders through technical expertise, policy advisory, and capacity building to ensure equitable and sustainable water access for all.
The event ended with renewed calls for collective action towards achieving inclusive and sustainable water governance in Ogun State.
