Water is an indispensable liquid of life.
While geographers say that about seventy-one percent of the world’s surface is water-covered, Abraham Marlow’s hierarchy of needs rates water as one of man’s psychological needs.


On the occasion to mark World Water Day, the emphasis was no longer on the usefulness of water, but about water and climate change, which is the theme for this year’s celebration, and how the two are inextricably linked.



This year’s celebration is coming at critical period in global health history.


Global health watchdog, World Health Organization, WHO’s heat map indicates that a global total of over two million, three hundred and forty thousand and seventy-three reported cases of coronavirus pandemic; twenty two of those cases are reported in Nigeria alone.
Part of the health advisories issued against the coronavirus scourge is regular washing of hands with soap with running water.


However, the global organizers of the annual event note that adapting to the water effects of climate change will protect health and save lives, also using water more efficiently will reduce greenhouse gases.


In Awka, activities to commemorate the event began with a kilometer-long sensitization walk from Saint Faith Anglican Cathedral, Awka up to Dr Alex Ekwueme Square.


The placards on display had bold and charging inscriptions that magnified the underlining message of the event.


The wife of Governor of Anambra State, Dr Ebelechukwu Obiano who is also the South East Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH Ambassador, represented by the Managing Director of Transport Company of Anambra State, TRACAS, Dr Ify Madukasi, had kicked off the event with a reminder of the health benefits of clean water and environmental problems associated with open defecation.


On his part, the member representing Ihiala Constituency One at Anambra State House of Assembly, Honourable Chidi Udemmadu, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Public Utilities, said that the time had come for everyone to reassess their actions toward the environment and quit activities that endanger life.


Anambra State Commissioner for Public Utility, Engineer Emeka Ezenwanne, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Reverend Dr Polycarp Amanzechukwu, said that the Governor Willie Obiano administration has always sought policies that promote healthy environment.


The Chairman of the World Water Day planning committee in Anambra State and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Anambra State on Donor Agencies, Mrs Mary Ogugua, and the Program Coordinator of NEWMAP in Anambra State, Mr Michael Ivenso praised the governor’s wife for supporting the campaign towards protecting the environment.


Officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety, Corps, members of the coalition of nongovernmental organizations and civil society organization in Anambra State, corps members, secondary school students, associate bodies and other organizations took part in the event.

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