In commemoration of World Water Day 2026, the Netlink Environmental Conservation Organisation (NECOR), in collaboration with the Ondo State Ministry of Water Resources, Public Sanitation, and Hygiene, took its sensitisation campaign to the popular NEPA Market in Akure, where traders were educated on the importance of clean and safe water.

Speaking at the event, a representative of NECOR, Professor Sunday Oladeji, emphasised the impact of water scarcity on the well-being and security of women.

He noted that this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” is timely, given the persistent challenges of water scarcity and its effects on health and livelihoods, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

“Women and girls are the most vulnerable when it comes to water-related challenges. Out of the 2.1 billion people globally without access to water, women constitute the greater percentage. They spend more time searching for water, which affects their ability to work, attend school, and engage in other productive activities,” he said.

Oladeji attributed the growing water crisis to factors such as irregular rainfall patterns, heatwaves, and other climate change-related issues.

He explained that the awareness campaign was designed to enlighten residents, raise consciousness about water-related challenges, and inspire collective action toward sustainable water use.

He further urged residents to conserve water, practise reuse, and avoid dumping waste into water sources to prevent contamination.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Honourable Ayodele Akande, highlighted the significance of the day in promoting public health and sustainable development.

“The essence of this celebration is to sensitise the people of Ondo State to the importance of potable water, especially for women. Water is life, and access to clean water helps prevent many diseases. Prevention is better than cure,” he said.

Akande reiterated the commitment of the Ondo State Government to improving water infrastructure across the state, noting that efforts are ongoing to ensure access to potable water in all 18 local government areas, not just urban centres.

The choice of NEPA Market for the campaign, he added, was strategic, as it provided an opportunity to directly engage market women, who are among the most affected by water scarcity.

The Iyaloja of NEPA 2 Market, Chief Mrs. Adebiyi Beatrice, expressed appreciation to the organisers for the initiative and appealed for improved water supply in the market.

“We are happy about this sensitisation. It has helped us understand the importance of clean water and proper usage. We also appeal to the government to provide water here, as is being done in other markets,” she said.

The event featured a rally and interactive sessions with traders and residents, aimed at deepening awareness and encouraging behavioural change toward water conservation and hygiene practices.

Key government officials present included the General Manager of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Engineer Rotimi Oladimeji; the General Manager of the Ondo State Water Corporation, Engineer Vincent Omoge; and the Director of Water Resources, Engineer Dele Akintan.