Ashiru, represented by the Executive Director, Planning and Design, Mr. Femi Dokunmu, made the call at a programme held at the authority’s headquarters in Abeokuta to mark the World Rivers Day themed: “Clean Rivers, Healthy Communities.”

The director called for intensified campaigns and collaboration to halt human activities that pollute rivers and undermine healthy living

He decried practices such as dumping of refuse, discharging untreated sewage, and releasing industrial effluents into rivers, warning that they pose serious risks to aquatic life and human health.

Ashiru noted that rivers are often described as the lifelines of civilisation, stressing their vital role in providing drinking water, irrigation for farming, hydroelectric power, transportation, and food from aquatic animals.

“When rivers are sick, communities also suffer; health declines, poverty increases, and biodiversity is threatened. That is why World Rivers Day reminds us of our shared responsibility to protect and restore these waters.

“We must learn to treat rivers not as dumping grounds, but as living systems that need care. Every small action we take counts; whether it is reducing plastic use, planting trees along riverbanks, or spreading awareness about conservation,” he said.

The O-ORBDA boss urged residents to avoid throwing waste, plastics, or harmful chemicals into rivers, while encouraging communities to organise clean-up campaigns and educate one another on the dangers of pollution.

He further appealed to government authorities to strengthen legislation and enforcement on river protection and ensure proper waste management.

Read Also: Ogun Governor Appoints 1,200 Political Assistants

Speaking on the theme, Professor Adeyinka Sobowale of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, lamented the negative impacts of human activities on river health and community wellbeing.

Sobowale, who is also the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers, urged the Ogun State Government to build water treatment facilities in abattoirs and for Adire textile producers, to ensure harmful wastewater is treated before being discharged into rivers.

Source: Punch