The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building an efficient and inclusive water sector, as it joined the global community to mark the World Water Day 2026.

Governor Dapo Abiodun gave the assurance during the celebration held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, with the theme “Water and Gender: Advancing Inclusive Water Governance.”

Represented by the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, the governor said the administration is strengthening institutional frameworks to ensure broader participation of women in water management. He noted that the initiative is designed to create pathways for increased female representation across technical, leadership, and decision-making roles within the sector.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Rural Development, Hon. Olufemi Ilori-Oduntan, described the theme as both relevant and urgent, particularly in rural communities where women and girls bear the greatest burden of water scarcity, often trekking long distances to access water. She stressed the need for policies and programmes that place gender equity at the centre of water governance, ensuring inclusive participation of men, women, and youth.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, emphasised that sustainable water management is closely linked to environmental protection. He described inclusive governance, where women and vulnerable groups are actively involved in decision-making, as critical to achieving long-term sustainability.

In separate remarks, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Hon. Funmi Efuwape, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, highlighted the centrality of water to human existence. They noted that the year’s theme challenges stakeholders to build systems that recognise and amplify the voices and contributions of women in water governance.

They reiterated the state’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goal 6 and broader development targets.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Water Resources Management, Hon. Damilola Otubanjo, described Gateway Water as a clear statement of the state government’s commitment to quality and public trust. 

She added that the initiative demonstrates the rigorous treatment processes, quality assurance standards, and operational improvements implemented across water facilities in the state.

Delivering the keynote, the Managing Director of the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority, Dr. Deji Ashiru, outlined key recommendations to drive inclusive water governance including integrating gender into water policies and planning, promoting women’s participation in decision-making, improving access to safe and affordable water, reducing the burden of unpaid care work, strengthening gender-disaggregated data systems, enhancing capacity building, and ensuring safety and dignity in water and sanitation facilities.

Highlight of the event was the commissioning of Gateway Water, a state-backed initiative aimed at expanding access to potable water across communities in Ogun State.