Putting action to its words, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation on Monday planted memorial River side trees and symbolic river cleaning at the Wupa River, Gbesa Community, off Airport Road, Abuja.
It was part of the activities marking the 2025 World Rivers Day Celebration in Nigeria.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr Prof Joseph Terlumun Utsev at the venue, pointed out that the Wupa River, like many others across the country, is more than water flowing between its banks, but provides life to communities, supports agriculture, nourishes biodiversity, and connects people.
Despite these, the Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, said that rivers, including Wupa River, face serious challenges, including pollution, deforestation, erosion, and the growing impacts of climate change.
He said "It gives me great joy to stand here today again, by the banks of the Wupa River at Gbesa Community, as
we mark World Rivers Day in Nigeria.
"Earlier this morning, during the press briefing, we reminded citizens that rivers are not just geographical features on the map, but living systems that sustain our lives, feed our communities, and anchor our development.
"What we do, or fail to do, will determine whether rivers like this
will continue to exist or become extinct. It is a fact that if neglected, the very river that sustains us can also become a source of disaster." the Minister warned.
He emphasized the importance of 2025 World Rivers Day’s activities marked by symbolic river cleaning and tree planting exercise, "which plays the role of protecting the rivers, preventing erosion, and siltation."
The Minister added "They also cool the riverbanks, sustain aquatic life, act as natural filters for cleaner water, and provide stronger defenses against
floods.
"The planting of trees here today goes beyond beautifying the riverbank to investing in the health of this river and the well-being of the communities it serves." he said
Prof Utsev expressed the commitment of the Ministry to strengthening policies, supporting River Basin Development Authorities, implementing
programmes that safeguard and restore watersheds, and enhancing flood control measures.
Stressing that the government alone cannot achieve the goal, he called on communities, civil society, private sector actors, and young people "to all take ownership by deliberately becoming river guardians."
Delivering a goodwill message at the occasion, the Executive Director, Foundation for Conservation of Nigerian Rivers (FCNR), Irikefe V. Dafe, said the World Rivers Day 2025 underscores the critical importance of healthy rivers to ecosystems, communities, and Nigeria’s shared future.
He said "This year's theme, "Clean Rivers, Heathy Communities," resonates deeply with our mission. Nigeria is blessed with an intricate network of rivers from the majestic Niger and Benue to countless smaller waterways that nourish our lands, sustain biodiversity, support livelihoods, and define cultures.
"Yet, we must face a hard truth: our rivers are under threat. Pollution, sand mining, deforestation, climate change, and poor waste management continue to degrade our water resources."
According to him, the consequences are visible including declining fish stocks, increased flooding, water scarcity, and loss of natural heritage.
He however declared that there is hope because there is action.
"Across Nigeria, communities are awakening to the need to protect and restore our rivers. From youth-led cleanups to traditional custodians reviving age-old conservation wisdom, we are seeing the power of collective stewardship.
"Our Foundation proudly supports such efforts through education, advocacy, policy engagement, and grassroots collaboration.
"Let this day renew our commitment - as individuals, as institutions, and as a nation - to act as custodians of our rivers. Let us advocate for sustainable water governance, invest in river restoration, enforce environmental regulations, and educate the next generation to value our water heritage.
"As we celebrate today, may we also remember that the health of our rivers reflects the health of our society. Clean rivers mean safe communities, resilient economies, and thriving ecosystems.
"Let us stand together for our rivers - for today, for tomorrow, and for generations to come." he stated
The traditional leader of the community graced the occasion as there was cultural display by girls in the Gbesa community.