With water scarcity emerging as a pressing global health challenge, Clean Energy Specialist Edima Okodi emphasized that access to clean water is a fundamental human right, essential for survival and not a luxury for the privileged few.
Speaking at a virtual luncheon hosted by Give Africa on Thursday, Okodi delivered a keynote address underscoring the urgency of the organization’s mission. She advocated for advancing sustainable practices that ensure long-term water availability, aligning with the event’s theme, “The Integral Role of Water in Community Development: Exploring Its Social and Economic Impacts.”
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“Across the world, one in three children under the age of five lacks access to clean water, leading to preventable diseases like cholera and diarrhea,” Okodi noted. “This highlights the critical nature of Give Africa’s work, which creates the opportunity for children to grow up healthy without the burden of long, daily treks to fetch water.”
Okodi stressed the necessity of sustainable approaches to water management amid growing climate change impacts. “As climate extremes strain our water resources and worsen scarcity, we must go beyond just providing water. Conservation, rainwater harvesting, and efficient irrigation will help preserve resources for future generations. Access to clean water is a lifeline, not a luxury,” she added.
Khalil Suleiman Halilu, founder of KSK Foundation and Give Africa, elaborated on Give Africa’s mission, emphasizing the role of technology and community. “Our goal is to simplify giving by building trust and transparency so that every contribution directly impacts those in need. Through this approach, we celebrate the transformative power of giving, one act of kindness at a time.”
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A panel discussion on “Water Accessibility in Relation to Education, Health, and Entrepreneurship” further highlighted the critical links between water management knowledge, maintenance, and community prosperity. Panelists discussed the importance of bridging gaps in understanding the operational costs and lifecycle of water infrastructure to support education, healthcare, and local businesses.
Give Africa’s initiatives include Light Up, Plant a Tree, and Water Wells. Through partnerships with Global Shapers Kano and Water the Needy Foundation, the organization has successfully provided nine wells and five boreholes to communities in need, creating sustainable water sources that directly impact community health and economic growth.