Abuja: 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.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event saw representatives from NIHSA and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation discussing the importance of the Hydro Club in tackling Nigeria's growing environmental challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and ecological degradation. Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of NIHSA, Umar Mohammed, Technical Adviser Jabo Maigima highlighted the critical role young people play in sustainability efforts, emphasizing that the club will provide students with both scientific knowledge and a sense of responsibility.
Maigima described the club's mission as not only educating students about water resources but also inspiring them to become advocates for conservation and ecosystem protection. He mentioned several benefits of the club, including skills development, civic responsibility, exposure to new opportunities, teamwork, and confidence building.
Deputy Director Abdulkadir Mohammad from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation also addressed the audience, labeling the Hydro Club as a hub for research, innovation, and capacity building. He stressed the importance of nurturing future professionals who will contribute to water security and national development. Mohammad underscored the necessity of investing in modern technologies like real-time data and artificial intelligence to manage water efficiently.
Highlighting the urgent issue of water scarcity, Mohammad pointed out that it affects homes, farms, and industries nationwide. He attributed the problem to population growth, urban expansion, and climate change, which are increasing water demand amid limited supply. He also noted the challenges posed by erratic and destructive flooding, advocating for Integrated Flood Management that combines infrastructure with nature-based solutions.
Mohammad called for greater community involvement, particularly from young people, urging Hydro Club members to lead flood awareness campaigns and advocate for change. He remarked on the economic significance of water, linking efficient management to sectors like agriculture, energy, and public health.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Anderson Oseh, Principal of GSS Kubwa, expressed gratitude to NIHSA for choosing their school to launch the Hydro Club. He committed to ensuring the club's activities are sustainable and inclusive, with plans to involve every student and spread the initiative's message to other schools.