The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN has joined the global community in commemorating World Water Day 2025 with the theme “Glacier Preservation.”
The event, which included a virtual public lecture, underscored the critical need for sustainable water management and proactive measures against climate change.
Delivering the keynote address, Engr. Dr. Adebisi R. Osim, FNSE, FNICE, FIMC, President of APWEN, emphasized the urgent responsibility to protect Earth’s natural water reservoirs—glaciers.
She highlighted the crucial role glaciers play in providing freshwater, supporting agriculture, and regulating global temperatures. However, their rapid decline due to climate change poses a significant threat to water security, food production, and ecosystems.
“Glaciers are the water towers of the world, supplying fresh water to millions of people,” Dr. Osim stated. “Yet, climate change is accelerating their decline, leading to rising sea levels, unpredictable weather, and water scarcity.”
She called on engineers, policymakers, and communities to adopt sustainable practices, reduce water waste, and invest in water-saving technologies to mitigate these challenges.
For her part, the chairman of the APWEN Lagos chapter, Engr. (Dr.) Atinuke Wurola Owolabi, FNSE, FNIEEE, while welcoming participants, reiterated the importance of collective action in ensuring equitable access to clean water.
“Water is life, and we must prioritize innovative strategies to conserve and manage this vital resource,” she urged. “Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and engineers have a key role in implementing long-term solutions.”
The event featured a presentation by Engr. Sunday Egbiki, Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Calgary, Canada branch, who discussed the impact of climate change on water resources.
He highlighted rising global temperatures, frequent droughts, floods, and the disappearance of glaciers as key concerns affecting water security worldwide.
According to Engr. Egbiki, the key community strategies for water conservation include:
Education & Awareness: Public campaigns, school workshops, and behavior change initiatives to reduce water waste.
Local Water Management: Rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and watershed protection.
Green Infrastructure: Development of permeable pavements, urban forests, and flood-control wetlands.
Policy & Governance: Encouraging local participation in water governance and collaborative decision-making.
Call to Action: Establishing local water stewardship groups, advocating for climate-resilient policies, and practicing daily water-saving habits.
APWEN reaffirmed its commitment to promoting water conservation, supporting women in STEM, and contributing to policies that safeguard environmental sustainability.
The event successfully reinforced the urgency of climate action, leaving participants with a renewed commitment to water conservation and sustainable development.