On a vibrant day at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, the Water & Climate Summit & Exhibition unfolded as a landmark event, bringing together an array of distinguished guests, experts, and stakeholders. Organized by the Embassy of Switzerland in collaboration with the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation and the Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC), the summit aimed to address pressing climate challenges through innovative water solutions and to foster international collaboration.
Opening Ceremony: Setting the Tone
The summit commenced with a series of opening remarks that underscored the significance of the event. His Excellency Mr. Nicolas Lang, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, welcomed attendees and set the stage for the day’s discussions. This was followed by special remarks from key figures including H.E. Professor Joseph Utsev, Honourable Minister of Water Resources, and H.E. Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, among others.
Keynote Address
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who highlighted the critical intersection of water security and national stability, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.
Plenary Session
The plenary session kicked off with a welcome and introduction by Mr. Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud, SAN, a board member of the Yar’Adua Foundation. This session set the context for the summit, focusing on the pivotal role of water in climate resilience and sustainable development.
Interactive Audience Engagement
To foster a dynamic and participatory atmosphere, the summit incorporated Mentimeter, an interactive tool that allowed the audience to engage directly with the content and speakers. This session enabled real-time feedback and enriched the discussions with diverse perspectives from the attendees.
Panel Discussions: Deep Dives into Key Topics
Blue Tech, Innovation, and Financing
Moderated by Ms. Ojoma Ali from the Embassy of Switzerland, this panel brought together leading voices in water innovation and financing. Panelists included:
– Mr. Bankole Oloruntoba, CEO of Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre
– Ms. Victoria Uwadoka, Head of Sustainability at Nestle Nigeria Plc
– Mr. Lamin G. Barrow, Director General of the African Development Bank’s Nigeria Country Department
– Mr. Emmanuel Etaderhi, Executive Secretary of Financial Centre for Sustainability, Lagos
– Mr. Roland Wissekerke, CEO/Co-Founder of Hupotrec GmbH, Switzerland
Discussions centered on the latest technological advancements in water management, innovative financing mechanisms, and the importance of sustainable practices in driving progress.
Peace and Infrastructure
This session, moderated by Ms. Rashidat Sanusi from the Yar’Adua Foundation, featured a diverse panel including:
– Mr. Taimur Samad, Acting Country Director of World Bank Nigeria
– Mr. Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)
– Dr. Saleh Momale, Executive Vice Chair of Kaduna State Peace Commission
– Amb. Nkoyo Toyo, Former Member of the House of Representatives
The panel explored the critical links between water infrastructure, peace, and community resilience, offering insights into how integrated approaches can mitigate conflict and promote stability.
Special Remarks and Exhibitions
Prince Mustapha Audu, CEO of the Electric Vehicle Motor Company, provided a forward-looking perspective on the role of clean energy in sustainable water management. The exhibition area showcased cutting-edge solutions and technologies from various innovators, offering attendees a hands-on experience with the latest advancements in the field.
Networking and Collaboration
The summit provided ample opportunities for networking and collaboration. Attendees engaged in meaningful dialogues during the lunch break and the closing reception, fostering partnerships that are essential for driving forward the water and climate agenda.
Closing Remarks and Future Prospects
In his closing remarks, Mr. Lukas Schifferle, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland to Nigeria, expressed gratitude to all participants and emphasized the ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in water and climate solutions. Mr. Amara Nwankpa, Director of PPI at the Yar’Adua Foundation, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of sustained efforts and continued dialogue.
Conclusion
The Water & Climate Summit & Exhibition was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to engage in crucial conversations and explore innovative solutions. As we move forward, the collaborations and insights gained from this event will play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and resilient future for Nigeria and beyond.
