By Abubakar Yunusa
LG Electronics, a global leader in technology and innovation, joined the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in celebrating the United Nations World Water Day by donating a solar-powered borehole to the Gudu Community in Abuja.
The theme of this year is ‘Water for Peace’, emphasizing the vital significance of water in ensuring the stability and prosperity of our world.
In situations where water is limited or contaminated, or where access is unequal or nonexistent, tensions can escalate between communities and nations.
It is crucial to proactively tackle water-related issues to prevent conflicts and encourage collaboration for sustainable water management.
A series of events took place to celebrate this special day, from the Peace walk around FCT to the special press conference with all the relevant partners, international NGOs, Federal Ministries representatives, and private corporations.
Speaking at the commissioning of the solar-powered borehole, the Minister, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev said, “We are extremely happy to celebrate yet another World Water Day with everybody and, in particular, with the donation of this borehole which is most significant of the celebration. The Gudu Community is grateful for this.
“All year round, we sensitize and celebrate the day to bring attention to one of the leading environmental issues, the scarcity of water.
“Water is life, and we cannot even imagine our life without water. Water means a lot to us more than just quenching our thirst, but it plays the role of a vital component of human development; This day provides us an opportunity to think about this issue and how we can make a difference.
“Around 2 billion people around the world do not have access to clean and safe drinking water, and approximately 3.6 billion people – 46% of the world’s population – lack adequate sanitation services, according to a new United Nations World Water Development Report released.
“This is a major contributor to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea.
“In Nigeria, approximately 60 million people lack access to safe water sources, leading to numerous health challenges and impeding socio-economic development.”
Hence, we need to keep appealing to corporate organizations such as what LG Electronics has done today to provide good drinking water for vulnerable communities like Gudu and all across the country so we can gradually reduce the numbers,” Prof. Utsev added.
Also at the event, the Managing Director of LG Electronics, Mr. Hyoung Sub Ji, thanked the Ministry for the opportunity to collaborate with them to contribute to the community.
He said the relevance of LG’s slogan cannot be overemphasized, which is “Life’s Good”. With good drinking water, people can live and have a good life. This is what has prompted us to do this,” he said.
Mr. Ji advised, “This year, we at LG are proud to align with the theme of Water for Peace. We urge other corporate organizations to collaborate with relevant institutions in combating the scarcity of clean water, which tragically leads to the premature deaths of vulnerable children and adults nationwide.
Together, through partnership and collective action, we can make a significant impact on ensuring access to safe and clean water for all. Let us work hand in hand towards a future where every individual has the basic human right to clean water, promoting health, peace, and prosperity in our communities.”
Earlier at the press conference, Sub Ji said water is essential for life, and yet, millions of people around the world still lack access to clean and safe drinking water.
According to him, “As we come together on this significant day, it is imperative that we reaffirm our commitment to addressing water scarcity issues and ensuring universal access to clean water for all.
“At LG Electronics, we recognize the critical role that technology and innovation play in tackling global challenges, including water management and conservation. That is why we are proud to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to contribute to the advancement of sustainable water solutions in Nigeria.
“Through initiatives like the donation of boreholes to communities in need, LG Electronics is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of people across Nigeria. By leveraging our expertise in renewable energy and water technology, we aim to empower communities, improve health outcomes, and foster sustainable development.
“As we reflect on the theme of this year’s World Water Day, “Water For Peace,” let us remember the intrinsic value of water in all aspects of our lives – from health and sanitation to agriculture, industry, and the environment.
“I commend the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for their leadership and dedication to promoting water security and sanitation in Nigeria. Together, with government, private sector, and civil society collaboration, we can create a more water-secure and sustainable future for all.
“On this World Water Day, let us renew our commitment to water stewardship and join hands in building a world where every individual has access to clean and safe water.
In his goodwill message, the leader of the community, Alhaji Jubril Musa, said, “We are very happy for this water as it solves more than half of our challenges.
” We will ensure we safeguard the borehole to last longer for us in the community. We thank LG Electronics and the Ministry for the gesture”.
Present at the celebration were WaterAid, United Nations International Children (UNICEF), Education Fund (UNICEF), UNESCO, Action Against Hunger, Gillmor Engineering Nigeria Limited, FORDMAX Nig. Limited, CGC Nigeria Limited, Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria (BODAN), Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), and other relevant ministry representatives.
LG Electronics continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility through initiatives like this.
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