NSUK’s 36th Inaugural Lecture: Prof. Sangari advocates proper usage of water to bring about effective development

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By Samuel Torlumun

A Professor of Geography and Land Resources, and inaugural lecturer of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK)’s 36th Inaugural Lecture Series, Sen. Dalhatu Umaru Sangari has advocated proper methods and proper use of controlled water to bring about efficiency in the dry season land development in the Savanna Zone of Nigeria. The event was held on Wednesday, at Varsity’s main campus.

Prof. Sen. Sangari

In a lecture theme; So Much Water, Very Little Use, (Water Use and Land Development in Savanna Region of Nigeria) the Professor posited that, “more than any other sector, water impacts on all the main themes of development agenda such as food security, poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability, gender development, education, health and good governance”.

He pointed out that the region and indeed Africa is faced with challenges of utilization and management of its water and land resources to meet human needs, including irrigation, adding that the current water and land development projects operate below capacity; below 20% of their designed capacity, with some abandoned.

The former Senator recommended rehabilitation, development of traditional land and water development practice, abandoned 88 years ago.

He also called for international cooperation as well as appropriate technology to addressing the twin questions of poverty and hunger. In terms of investment, it is the Professor’s idea that “numerous River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) should identify viable investors that can effectively put the near abandoned facilities into use to bring returns to the system, with the provision of allowing certain percentage of the project land to the benefit of the local host communities”.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of NSUK, Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed described the inaugural lecture as fascinating. Expressing confidence in Sangari’s specialty in the area, the VC paid special tribute to the lecturer saying he is one of the best in the institution who has paid his dues serving diligently.

He reiterated that his administration will continue to encourage and support inaugural lecture series so that many lectures can be turned-in as many as possible, as a way of raising the image and standard of the university. NSUK has been adjudged by experts as the fastest growing university in the country.

Taraba frontline politician, Chief David Sabo Kente (DSK)

Several goodwill messages by eminent personalities at the event continually poured encomium at Prof. Sangari’s wealth of knowledge, experience, commitment and dedication. Accordingly, the goodwill messages praised him for being a huge blessing to Taraba, Nigeria and entire mankind. Those who spoke include, Ambassador of Poland to Nigeria H E, Mrs Joanna Tarnawska, Barr. Useni Dikko, Chief Davi Sabo Kente, (DSK), Prof. Ishaya Samaila, Emir of Nasarawa, Ambassador Waziri among others.

Highlights of the event included titivating Jukun cultural dance, presentation of awards and SUV car gift to the lecturer.