By Dada Ahmed.
Photo credit: The Guardian Nigeria.
In the heart of Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State in north-central Nigeria, an unexpected crisis erupted two years ago. The city, known for harboring the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, paradoxically suffered from a severe scarcity of potable water. This water crisis was precipitated by the devastating 2022 flood, which caused enormous destruction to property worth billions of naira and claimed human lives.
The flood destroyed critical infrastructure, thousands of hectares of farmland, and other facilities, including the Greater Lokoja Water Treatment Plant, which supplies about 90 percent of the potable water to Lokoja residents. The plant was submerged, rendering its equipment inoperable.
This marked the beginning of the ordeal for Lokoja residents. Consequently, taps ran dry, and water became a precious commodity, disrupting the daily lives of residents in profound ways.
The frightening development created a dire situation, leaving many residents scrambling for clean water, a basic necessity for daily life. Women and children competed under the hot sun, desperately searching for the next available water source to meet their needs. The scant number of water vendors in Lokoja aggravated the problem, leaving many residents praying for divine intervention to end their agony.
Social and economic activities in Lokoja were not spared either. Operators of recreational and other commercial activities also complained bitterly about dwindling earnings due to the water scarcity.
Yet, amidst this crisis, a group of selfless individuals has risen to the challenge posed by the environment in Lokoja, demonstrating in practical terms the true spirit of community and magnanimity without borders.
Alhaji Haruna Adamu, a resident of Gadumo quarters and a father of five, describes himself as one of the beneficiaries of this unique magnanimity from a caring neighbor. He describes the scarcity of potable water in Gadumo quarters as better imagined than experienced.
“For close to a year now, we have had no clean water to drink or run commercial activities to eke out a living. When it started following the 2022 flood, we thought the problem would soon ease off. But here we are, still coping with it,” he says.
“To make matters worse, my well dried up completely, as digging of Borehole became the order of the day for those who could afford it. “This left me and my family with no other option than to drive to Anebo housing estate within my vicinity to fetch water for domestic and other purposes.”
Alhaji Adamu continues, “I had been doing this with one of my children almost daily until recently when I summoned the courage to approach my neighbor with a passionate plea to allow me to fetch water from his borehole. This neighbor did not hesitate to grant my request. Within two hours, my dry pipe was gushing with clean water from his house for us to use. His display of noble generosity continues without any conditions attached, motivated solely by his love for humanity.”
This scenario epitomizes the true love exhibited by some Nigerians towards their neighbors coping with crises. Discerning minds in Lokoja believe that the patriotic attitude of many borehole owners is a reminder that, contrary to the cynics’ view, the concept of “love your neighbor as yourself” is still alive in Nigeria. They argue that such unity and love are necessary to move Nigeria forward.
As these Nigerians extend their hands of fellowship to others in need, the country and its citizens will benefit in the long run. Keen observers note that the show of concern by borehole owners in Gadumo quarters is replicated in other adjoining quarters in the state capital.
The state government is aware of the people’s challenge and is actively working on solutions. Kogi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya MD Faruk, assured residents, during a press conference in Lokoja that the current administration, under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, is committed to restoring public water supply.
The government is considering several options, including relocating or raising the Greater Lokoja Water Treatment Plant above the flood level of 2022, despite the high costs involve, he explained.
In the interim, the state is rehabilitating the Old Lokoja Water Works to supply healthy water to some areas in Lokoja, according to Farouk.
According to him, the state government has also made available 50 tankers to supply water to some areas in the state capital to ease the difficulty created by the scarcity of drinkable water in Lokoja among other measures.
While Lokoja residents eagerly await the government’s efforts to restore potable water, individuals in the community have risen above tribal, religious, and political differences to help their neighbors. Their selfless acts of allowing unfettered access to their boreholes without seeking profit or recognition make them the true unsung heroes of Lokoja.
By offering invaluable service to boost the principle of good neighborliness, particularly in Gadumo quarters, these borehole owners ensure the happiness and well-being of their fellow humans. Their commendable behavior, if emulated by others, can inject life into the dampened spirits of the society. Lokoja, Kogi State, and indeed Nigeria will be better for it.
As rains set in this reduces pressure on the people depending on borehole owners to source for clean water.
However,the positive impact these Nigerians are making in the life of others will, for long time to come,remain indelible, especially in the minds of direct the beneficiaries of their unconditional love.
“One Love Keeps Us Together,” the old but refreshing song by Onyeka Owenu, will be further appreciated by Kogites in their relationships with neighbors.
Dada Ahmed publishes The Reporters.
