LASG, WATERAID ADVOCATE GENDER EQUALITY, SUSTAINABLE APPROACH IN WATER SECTOR
… As State Commemorates 2026 World Water Day
Lagos State Government, in collaboration with WaterAid, on Wednesday called on the residents to ensure a sustainable and Gender equality approach in the water sector.
Speaking during the commemoration of the 2026 World Water Day held at the Debt Management Resource Centre, Alausa, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite said the World Water Day is a global call to reflect on the importance of water to life, health, and dignity.
He said the day reminds us that access to safe water is a major challenge for many people, adding that collective action remains necessary to build an inclusive and sustainable future.
The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Director of Water Resources, Engr. James Oyedele, said Water is an essential component in the development and the future of our societies.
He highlighted the theme for the celebration “Water and Gender equality", saying both are relevant, and as it draws attention to the connection between water access, water governance, and gender equality.
"The theme also challenges all of us to think deeply about how water issues affect different groups in society, particularly women and girls", he said.
He stressed that inclusive participation must remain central to planning and decision-making in the water sector.
"Here in Lagos State, we recognise that water is not just a social necessity, but also a strategic resource that touches public health, education, environmental sustainability, economic productivity, and community wellbeing; that is why conversations such as this are important", he said.
He said deliberations with key stakeholders and partner institutions assist the government in moving policy statements into real engagement, shared understanding, and practical collaboration.
"The conversations around water, equity, and inclusion must also carry along the younger generation, who will inherit the responsibility of shaping a more sustainable future", he said.
He emphasised that governments' collaboration with WaterAid will further strengthen the collective resolve to promote equitable and sustainable water resource management in Lagos State.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of Business Development, WaterAid, Mr. Emmanuel Iorkumbur stated that water is a connector - linking health, education, gender equality, climate resilience and economic opportunity.
He said everyone must work together to ensure that clean and safe water is made accessible to all, especially women and children in the society.
In her Lecture, titled "Water and Gender", the Guest Lecturer, Prof Olayemi Soladoye from Lagos State University, said water is fundamental to life, stressing that access to water is far from equal.
She mentioned that women and girls in major communities have had to travel long distances to access water, adding that this reflects inequalities in infrastructure and planning.
She said gender considerations must be integrated into water management, stressing that this will promote public health, environmental sustainability, as well as socio-economic development.
Participants at the 2026 World Water Day Celebrations include members of the Civil societies, Academia, as well as Students from the Lagos State Education Districts, amongst others.
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