Abuja: The Nigerian Navy has urged citizens to collaborate with the government and relevant institutions in efforts to preserve the nation’s lakes. This call was made by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, during the World Lake Day celebration organized by the Naval Base in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abbas emphasized the crucial role of Nigerians in the effective cleaning and maintenance of lakes, stressing that they are the primary custodians of these water bodies. Represented by Commodore Innocent Uduodoh, Director of Civil-Military Cooperation at Naval Headquarters, Abbas highlighted the shared responsibility of safeguarding lakes for ecosystem resilience and shared prosperity.
Abbas pointed out the significant impact lakes have on water and food security, power generation, and environmental sustainability. He noted that Nigeria’s lakes, such as Lake Chad and Kanji Lake, are vital for millions of citizens through activities like fishing, agriculture, and tourism. However, these lakes face challenges like pollution, climate change, and overfishing.
The CNS revealed that Lake Chad had shrunk by approximately 90% since 1963, affecting the well-being of about 13 million people in the region. This underscores the urgency for deliberate actions to mitigate pollution and address climate change impacts.
The event also featured Commodore Oluseyi Oladipo, Commander of Naval Base Abuja, who emphasized the navy’s role in fostering civil-military relations and supporting the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Oladipo stressed the importance of lakes to ecosystems and communities, advocating for policies to protect and restore these vital resources.
The Nigerian Navy has commenced a one-week cleaning initiative of Lake Chad to mark World Lake Day, demonstrating their commitment to raising awareness about the ecological significance of lakes and encouraging public engagement.