Landmark University

WATER SOLUTION MUST BE DEMAND DRIVEN

The Vice-Chancellor, Landmark University, Professor Adeniyi Olayanju has emphasized that the provision of solution to water challenges in communities must be demand-driven, noting that such solutions might conflict with the order of living of the people thereby making the solution inefficient. Professor Olayanju made this remark at the 13th LUCRID Webinar titled, “Water for FOOD: Preserving Clean Water and Exploring the Treated Wastewater Recycling Option” on Thursday 19th August 2021.

According to him, the unclean water system in communities could be traced to poor sanitation resulting from the age-old cultural practices common in rural regions of Africa, the chief of which is open defecation. While calling on governments of African countries to prioritize the provision of clean water and sanitation to their population, he noted that proper education and awareness is necessary to overcome sanitation habits ingrained in many people’s daily routine. “Though this is largely because of a lack of toilets and waste management systems, even when these systems are put into place, people’s beliefs must change with the infrastructure,” he added.

The webinar later had two presentations on the theme from Dr A. S. Aremu, the MD of Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, (LNRBDA), Ilorin and Dr David Okunade, of the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. In his presentation, Dr Aremu brought to the fore the water and sanitation status of Nigeria to validate the viability of water treatment and recycling as exemplified by the Nigerian government through its Ministry of Water Resources. He, therefore, noted that the increase in population and poor maintenance of the facilities put in place by both government and other non-governmental organizations have undermined the effect of the tremendous improvement in the water system of Nigeria between 2015 and 2021.

Despite the Federal government water intervention programmes in Nigeria and the growing water demand, Dr Okunade believed there must be a reevaluation and exploration of wastewater treatment and recycling option as a viable alternative source of water considering its role in human development, emphasizing that currently, 69% of water goes to agriculture while 21% and 10% are for both domestic and industrial purposes. Among other things, Dr Okunade noted that this option would not only solve farm water scarcity and improve the standard of living of the smallholder farmers but also facilitate sustainable agriculture, national development and food security. He concluded that wastewater treatment should form an integral part of agricultural project implementation and there must be a periodical reassessment of agricultural water use and wastewater recycling.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayanju giving the opening remarks at the 13th LUCRID Webinar
The Managing Director, Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA), Ilorin, Dr A. S. Aremu, delivering the first presentation at the 13th L
Dr David Okunade of the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, delivering the second presentat
The Director, LUCRID, Professor Adebesin welcoming participants to the 13th LUCRID Webinar
Professor Ibikunle of the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering making contributions at the 13th LUCRID Webinar
Dr John Ojediran of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering making contributions at the 13th LUCRID Webinar
Dr Olamide Oyewole of the Department of Chemical Engineering making contributions at the 13th LUCRID Webinar
Engr. Emeka Clinton of the department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering making contribution at the 13th LUCRID Webinar
Dr Olaseinde of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering reading the citation of Dr Aremu at the 13th LUCRID Webinar
Dr Timothy Adekanye of the department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering reading the citation of Dr Okunade at the 13th LUCRID Webinar
Engr. Olumoyewa Atoyebi of the Department of Civil Engineering giving the rapporteur of the 13th LUCRID Webinar
Engr. O. D. Raphael giving the vote of thanks at the 13th LUCRID Webinar
The Vice-Chancellor appreciating the Guest Presenters at the 13th LUCRID Webinar
Dr Adeolu Adediran moderating the 13th LUCRID Webinar
Mrs Alejolowo moderating the 13th LUCRID Webinar
A cross-section of physical participants at the 13th LUCRID Webinar
A cross-section of undergraduate and postgraduate students of the University physical present at the 13th LUCRID Webinar
A cross-section of online participants at the 13th LUCRID Webinar
A cross-section of online participants at the 13th LUCRID Webinar