Bello Muhammad Goronyo, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, has announced a commitment to collaborate with key stakeholders for the comprehensive cleanup of Jabi Lake.
This commitment was reiterated during a progress report presentation held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja on January 18, 2024.
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Expressing deep concern for the diminishing Eco-hydrological value of Jabi Lake, Goronyo attributed the decline to encroachment by miscreants and vandals.
He stressed the urgency of halting unauthorised activities threatening the water body, underlining its critical importance for future water supply and demand.
During the presentation, E.A. Adanu, Chairman of the Regional Center for Integrated River Basin Management, emphasized the need to address identified threats and security challenges in the Jabi area.
Sani Dauda Ahmed, Coordinator of Training and Education at RC-IRBM Project Desk Office, provided updates on research and capacity building in Eco-hydrology and Integrated Water Resources Management on Jabi Lake.
According to Ahmed, Jabi Lake, facing escalating threats due to urbanization and socio-economic activities, has adopted Eco-hydrology (EH) as a crucial strategy.
Ahmed highlighted the multifaceted rationale for embracing EH, including tackling Water Resources Management challenges, safeguarding vital water resources, and preserving the lake’s delicate ecosystem.
Recognizing the lake’s role as a habitat for migratory birds, EH practices aim to not only conserve the ecosystem but also establish Jabi Lake as a model for Eco-hydrology in Nigeria.
The Eco-hydrology program, supported by UNESCO, integrates social, ecological, and hydrological research to formulate effective policies for Water Resources Management.
As Nigeria’s first Eco-hydrology demonstration site, Jabi Lake sets the stage for knowledge exchange and briefings among Water Resources stakeholders.
