World Water Day: Kwara raises concerns over lack of water for two billion people worldwide
By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
The Kwara State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency has raised alarm over the growing global water crisis, warning that about two billion people worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water, while 3.6 billion are without adequate sanitation services.
The agency said the figures underscore the urgent need for sustained global and local action to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and improve public health outcomes.
Speaking during the 2026 World Water Day commemoration in Ilorin, the General Manager of RUWASSA, Mr Olorunfemi Oladipo, described water as a fundamental resource essential for human survival, economic development and environmental sustainability.
“Water is central to life, and without access to safe water and sanitation, communities remain vulnerable to diseases, poverty and underdevelopment,” Oladipo said.
He noted that World Water Day was established by the United Nations in 1992, with the first observance held in 1993, to draw global attention to water-related challenges. Despite decades of advocacy, he said, access to safe water and sanitation remains a major concern across many parts of the world.
Citing global statistics, Oladipo said nearly one in four people worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water, while almost half of the global population is without safely managed sanitation services. These gaps, he warned, continue to undermine health systems and economic productivity, particularly in developing countries.
Turning to Nigeria, he described the situation as alarming, noting that only about 10 percent of the population has access to complete basic water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services. He added that approximately 60 million Nigerians lack basic drinking water, while more than 80 million do not have access to improved sanitation facilities.
Public health experts say poor WASH conditions are linked to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea and typhoid, which disproportionately affect children and vulnerable populations. Rural and underserved communities, Oladipo noted, bear the greatest burden due to limited infrastructure and investment.
He called for increased funding, stronger policy implementation and sustained public awareness campaigns to expand access to water, sanitation and hygiene services nationwide.
“There is a need for collective action. Government, development partners and communities must work together to address these challenges and ensure lasting impact,” he said.
Oladipo acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders, including the Rotary Club of Ilorin GRA, for their continued support of WASH interventions, particularly in rural communities. He reaffirmed RUWASSA’s commitment to expanding access to potable water and promoting proper sanitation and hygiene practices across the state.
He also commended the Kwara State Government for its sustained efforts in improving water supply and sanitation services, noting that ongoing interventions have strengthened access to clean water in several communities.
According to him, the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has made strategic investments in the WASH sector, enhancing the capacity of RUWASSA to deliver impactful projects and improve living conditions.
Also speaking, President of the Rotary Club of Ilorin GRA, Rtn Risikat Shafiu Olagunju, described World Water Day as a reminder that access to safe water is a fundamental human right that requires continuous advocacy and practical interventions.
Similarly, President of the Rotary Club of Malete, Rtn Umar Faruq, called for stronger collaboration and innovative approaches to addressing WASH challenges, particularly in rural areas.
He said Rotary remains committed to supporting government efforts through grassroots interventions and community engagement, stressing that beyond infrastructure, sustained awareness campaigns are essential to promote proper hygiene practices and drive behavioural change.