By Ikenna Nwokedi 

The 6th substantive and former Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, FAS, has emphasized the need for effective and efficient treatment of water for use in homes, communities, rural dwellings and the nation at large.

Prof. Esimone made the charge while delivering the keynote address during the occasion of the 2025 International Water Quality Conference organized by Rite Place Health held at the Wetland Hotel Abuja with the theme, "Beyond Access, Quality Matters: Innovative Community-Based Approaches to Waterborne Disease Eradication."

Prof. Esimone disclosed that based on recent statistics, more than 60 million Nigerians still lack access to clean water emphasizing the need for a deliberate government action in partnership with the private sector which is required to formulate strong policies that will guarantee effective and efficient treatment of water supply for public consumption.

The Professor of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology stated that although Nigerians often advocate for the provision of pipe borne water through boreholes and other sources, the vital question should be about the quality of water which is essential for health and living conditions of the people.

Prof Esimone said: "Access to water without quality is an illusion. The emphasis should be on effective and efficient treatment of water supply for public consumption which is a big challenge in Nigeria at the moment. This is not just about water supply through boreholes which most Nigerians think is the safest form of water but the treatment of the water to eliminate microbes, chemical contaminations and toxins occasioned by the presence of heavy metals.

"There is need for advocacy by all stakeholders through regulations, guidelines and policies. The government has a role to play, the private sector and Nigerians as well in ensuring that the citizens are aware of the dangers of unsafe water consumption and usage," Prof. Esimone stated.

In his remarks during the occasion, the Convener, Pharm. Chukwumezie Okolo, highlighted that the purpose of the conference was to ensure that communities, not just individuals, gain access to safe and quality water.

Others who made their remarks during the conference were Dr. Agnes Atim, the Guest Speaker and a Member of Parliament from the Republic of Uganda as well as Mrs Nkechinyere Ezeador, the Deputy Director of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in charge of Regulatory and Monitoring Control.