Rivers State University Takes the Lead on Water Equity as CeWASS Marks 2026 World Water Day with Strong Gender Focus

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The Amphitheatre of Rivers State University came alive on Monday, March 23, 2026, as the Centre for Water and Sanitation Studies (CeWASS), a member of the Global Sanitation Graduate School, hosted a remarkable celebration of World Water Day under the global theme Water and Gender, with a strong institutional focus on Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Gender and Resilience.

The event, which drew academics, policymakers, development partners and students, also featured a significant milestone with the formal presentation of a signed Memorandum of Understanding between CeWASS and the Global Sanitation Graduate School Regional Hub for West, Central and Indian Ocean Africa, reinforcing the university’s growing role in advancing water and sanitation research across the region.

Delivering the opening remarks, the Director of CeWASS, Professor Peter Cookey, welcomed participants and emphasized the urgency of addressing water challenges through inclusive and gender-sensitive approaches. He noted that water is not just a natural resource but a driver of health, dignity and development, stressing that the theme of the year calls for deliberate actions that place women at the center of water governance. He highlighted the importance of partnerships such as the MoU being presented, describing it as a pathway to strengthening research, capacity building and sustainable solutions for communities across Africa.

In his opening address, the Chairman and Co-Chair of the event, Nnamdi Ahiamadu, Manager, Community Affairs at TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited and Chairman of the Nigerian Environment Society, Rivers State Chapter, commended CeWASS for its leadership in promoting environmental sustainability. He stressed that access to clean water remains a critical development issue, particularly in rural and riverine communities, and called for stronger collaboration between the private sector, government and academia to address the gaps. He noted that gender inclusion in water management is not optional but essential, as women remain the most affected by water scarcity and poor sanitation.

Also speaking as Co-Chair, Ihuoma Njemanze, Director of UNITAR CIFAL Nigeria, highlighted the role of capacity building in achieving water security. She stated that resilience in water systems must be built on knowledge, inclusion and sustainability, adding that empowering women and young people with the right skills will ensure long-term impact. She urged stakeholders to embrace innovative solutions and global best practices in addressing water and sanitation challenges.

In the welcome address on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Isaac Zeb-Obipi, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Blessing Jaja, the university reaffirmed its commitment to research and community engagement. The address noted that Rivers State University remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that improve livelihoods and promote environmental sustainability. It further emphasized that the collaboration with the Global Sanitation Graduate School would enhance knowledge exchange and position the institution as a hub for water and sanitation excellence in Africa.

The highlight of the event was the distinguished lecture delivered by Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, who spoke on Water for All: Bridging Gender Gaps in Access, Safety and Water Stewardship in HYPREP Projects. He revealed that HYPREP’s ongoing water projects are transforming access to potable water across Ogoniland, with 16 facilities already completed and serving 43 communities, while 49 additional facilities are under construction. He explained that upon completion of 51 headworks and 14 booster stations, potable water supply will reach 96.2 percent of Ogoni communities.

He noted that fetching points are strategically located less than 200 meters apart to ease access, significantly reducing the burden on women and girls. According to him, these interventions are improving health outcomes, increasing school attendance for girls and creating more economic opportunities for women. He stressed that women are not just beneficiaries but active participants in water management committees, bringing valuable knowledge to water stewardship. He added that the project’s integration of solar-powered systems and its alignment with global development goals demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, gender equality and environmental restoration.

Another distinguished lecture titled Water, Gender, and Resilience: Reimagining Inclusive Water Security for the Niger Delta Region was delivered on behalf of Engr. Eigbe Ehimhen by Engr. Victor Udofia. The lecture underscored the need to rethink water infrastructure in the Niger Delta, emphasizing climate resilience, inclusive policies and community ownership. It highlighted the importance of integrating gender perspectives into water planning and called for investments in infrastructure that can withstand environmental challenges while meeting the needs of vulnerable populations.

The keynote address by Harinaivo Anderson Andrianisa focused on Water, Sanitation, Gender and Resilience, with emphasis on building capacity for sustainable futures in Africa. He outlined the role of the Global Sanitation Graduate School Regional Hub in strengthening technical expertise, fostering research collaboration and developing innovative solutions tailored to African realities. He stressed that sustainable water management must be anchored on education, partnerships and inclusive policies that leave no one behind.

In her goodwill message, Mayowa Peter-Cookey, Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Social Workers, Rivers State Chapter, applauded the organizers for spotlighting the intersection of water and gender. She emphasized that access to clean water is a social justice issue and called for policies that protect vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, who bear the greatest burden of water scarcity.

The event also featured the presentation of certificates of appreciation to distinguished lecturers, chairpersons and notable personalities in recognition of their contributions to advancing water and sanitation initiatives.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Raymond Awortu, Project Coordinator of CeWASS, expressed gratitude to all participants, partners and stakeholders for their support. He noted that the success of the event reflects a shared commitment to addressing water challenges and promoting sustainable development. He encouraged continued collaboration and action beyond the celebration, stressing that the journey toward equitable water access requires sustained effort from all sectors.

The 2026 World Water Day celebration at Rivers State University not only highlighted critical issues surrounding water and gender but also reinforced the power of partnerships, innovation and inclusive strategies in building a resilient and sustainable future for communities in Nigeria and beyond.

By: Destiny Tamunoala Emmanuel