WATER CRISIS IN RURAL NIGERIA “Stop Playing Politics With Water,” Winjobi Warns as Communities Demand Urgent Action By Raymond Enoch
WATER CRISIS IN RURAL NIGERIA
“Stop Playing Politics With Water,” Winjobi Warns as Communities Demand Urgent Action
By Raymond Enoch
In Arulogun, a quiet agrarian community in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State, the struggle for clean water has become a daily reality—and now, a rallying cry. At the 2026 World Water Day commemoration, the National Coordinator of Fairaction Nigeria, Dr. David Tola Winjobi, delivered a strong message to authorities: stop playing politics with water and act decisively to end the crisis affecting millions of Nigerians.
The gathering, which drew traditional rulers, community members, development partners, and stakeholders from over 100 communities, was more than a celebration—it was a moment of truth. For years, residents of Arulogun and surrounding areas have lived without access to safe and reliable water, depending instead on wells, streams, and ponds that are often contaminated and unsafe.
In these communities, the consequences are visible everywhere. Water-borne diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and diarrhoea remain common, especially during the rainy season when contamination levels rise. Schools are also affected, with many children missing classes due to illness, while others learn in poor conditions, including roofless classrooms or open spaces under trees.
Beyond the health risks, the water crisis is reshaping lives in more subtle but equally damaging ways. Women and girls bear the greatest burden, spending hours each day trekking long distances to fetch water. This routine not only drains their energy but also reduces time for education, work, and personal development. For many young girls, lack of water and sanitation means staying away from school during their menstrual periods, quietly affecting their academic progress and future opportunities.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Fairaction International, Dr. Sam Gbemi Adeoti, expressed concern over the human cost of water poverty, noting that the situation continues to limit the potential of entire communities. According to him, the simple act of accessing clean water should not come at such a high price for rural families.
Data shared during the programme highlighted the scale of the challenge. A significant percentage of rural households in Oyo State still rely on unsafe water sources, with only a small fraction having access to pipe-borne water. In Akinyele, contaminated wells remain a primary source of water, contributing to persistent health challenges among residents.
The crisis extends beyond households into the local economy. Farmers, who form the backbone of these communities, struggle with poor road networks that make it difficult to transport produce to urban markets. As a result, crops often perish before they can be sold, worsening poverty and limiting economic growth.
Dr. Winjobi, in his address, criticized what he described as years of neglect and misplaced priorities. He called for urgent government intervention, including increased funding for the water sector, rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, and the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Water Resources to ensure focused attention on the issue. He warned that failure to address water challenges could undermine broader national development goals.
Despite the grim realities, there are signs of hope. Fairaction Nigeria is already implementing solar-powered smart water systems designed to provide clean and sustainable water in underserved communities. These initiatives, if expanded, could significantly improve living conditions and reduce the prevalence of water-borne diseases.
Community leaders have also shown willingness to support these efforts. Traditional authorities in Arulogun have pledged to work with development organisations to ensure that water projects succeed and are sustained for future generations.
As the event drew to a close, the message remained clear and urgent. The theme of this year’s World Water Day, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” resonates deeply in communities like Arulogun, where access to clean water is directly linked to health, education, and economic opportunity.
For the people of Akinyele, the demand is simple but powerful: clean water is not a luxury—it is a right. And until that right is guaranteed, the call for action will only grow louder.
