The Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA), Alhaji Abubakar Malam, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting rivers and promoting sustainable human activities for socio-economic prosperity.
Malam gave the assurance during the swimming, canoe race and fishing competitions organised by SRRBDA on Monday in Sokoto as part of activities marking the 2025 World Rivers Day.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration, with the theme “Clean Rivers, Healthy Community”, also featured agricultural exhibitions, a public lecture and presentation of awards to winners.
Represented by the Executive Director, Engineering Services, Mr Mansur Aminu-Khalifa, Malam said clean rivers were pathways to healthy communities, which in turn form the foundation of national progress.
He restated the authority’s determination to keep rivers clean through proper hygiene, detoxification and general sanitation in line with this year’s theme.
According to him, SRRBDA was established to harness the potential of the Rima River for irrigation, hydropower and flood control through coordinated activities in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and Zamfara states.
He said the activities had created jobs through the cultivation of rice, wheat, cotton, sugarcane, maize, sorghum, onion, potato, tomatoes and other vegetables, contributing to income generation and national GDP growth.
“Rivers are the bedrock of national development as they provide safe drinking water and support agriculture, tourism and livelihoods.
“Pristine rivers like Rima mean thriving agriculture, vibrant tourism and communities free from pollution. Neglecting them will lead to stagnation,” Malam said.
He appreciated the support of stakeholders in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and Zamfara states and assured that SRRBDA would continue to provide improved services in line with its mandate.
He added that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was already driving sustainable agricultural production and food security.
Earlier, the Guest Lecturer, Prof. Murtala Gada of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, underscored the importance of clean and healthy rivers for safe water supply, irrigation, industrial use, fisheries and ecosystem nourishment.
He noted that the Rima River shaped the culture, history and economy of the region but faced threats from untreated domestic and industrial waste, deforestation, poor land use, unsustainable farming and climate change.
Gada warned that declining fish yields, irregular water flows and flooding were already affecting communities.
He called for stronger river management, watershed protection, sustainable irrigation and adoption of eco-friendly practices by industries and individuals.
“When rivers are healthy, communities prosper, as clean water reduces waterborne diseases, improves food security and drives economic growth,” he said.
(NAN)
