The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) through the Department of Engineering Hydrology convened a 1-Day Capacity Building Workshop for Gauge Readers in Hydrological Area II and Staff of the Department of Engineering Hydrology on Monday 23rd August, 2021 at the National Water Resources Institute, Mando Road, Kaduna, Kaduna State.
The Meeting was attended by Forty-One (41) participants and dignitaries comprising Chairman of the NIHSA Board, Engr. Dogora ably represented by Dr. O.O. Yahaya, the Director-General of NIHSA, Engr. Clement O. Nze, ably represented by the Special Assistant (SA) to the DG, Engr. John Gbadegesin, the Executive Director of National Water Resources Institute (NWRI), Prof. E.A. Adanu, ably represented by Dr. Martin Eduvie, the Director of the Engineering Hydrology Department, Mrs. Aishatu T. Ibrahim, the Deputy Director of the Engineering Hydrology Department, Mrs. Fashe F.H. Adam, Staff of the Engineering Hydrology Department, Gauge Readers, and other Stakeholders.
Pix 1: Arrival of participants at the venue for the workshop.
The main objectives of the meeting as declared by the Director of the Engineering Hydrology Department, Mrs. Aishatu T. Ibrahim were as follows:
- To create an interactive forum between the gauge readers working on the field and NIHSA Staff using the data collected from the field.
- To assess the proficiency of the gauge readers and help to improve their capacity as well as refresh the technical know-how of staff of the Agency on the basic elements of hydrometry starting from the traditional practical application of the staff gauges.
- To understand current challenges and identify any gaps that may currently exist whilst working together to address them.
Highlights at the Capacity Building Workshop include:
A Welcome Address was delivered by the representative of the Chairman of the Board – NIHSA, Engr. Dogora. He thanked the participants for their attendance and also appreciated the effort of the DG NIHSA towards making the workshop a reality.
Opening Remarks by the Director-General of NIHSA, Engr. Clement O. Nze represented by SA – DG, Engr. John Gbadegesin. The remarks highlighted, amongst others:
- Informed the participants that the Workshop was designed to bring together the gauge readers from within Hydrological Area II (staff inclusive) to familiarize themselves with and understand the basic principles of stream gauging for improvement of hydrological data collection, processing, analysis and dissemination which are pivotal to the overall water resources management as well as forecasts for flood and drought, and for flood early warning.
- The growing need for training and manpower development in view of the decline in attention and importance that is being attached to the global hydrological practice as well as environmental challenges and security of the equipment.
Goodwill Messages
- The Executive Director of NWRI, Prof. E.A. Adanu represented by Dr. Martin Eduvie in his goodwill message highlighted the importance of gauge readers in getting reliable data for flood predictions and early warnings in Nigeria. He also appealed to the gauge readers on the need to take the security of the gauge stations seriously for us to have good data that can translate to the publication of useful materials like the Hydrological Yearbook and Annual Flood Outlook (AFO).
- The Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and National Resources, Kaduna State represented by Mr. Sambe Jonathan Musa.
- The Managing Director of the Kaduna State Water Corporation, represented by Mrs. Rabiatu Sani.
Technical Session – The following presentations were delivered during the technical session:
- Technical presentation I on Introduction to Gauge Reading presented by Engr. S.O. Addi, Consultant Hydrologist at NIHSA.
- Technical presentation II on Stream Gauging presented by Engr. John Gbadegesin, SA to DG, NIHSA.
Pix 2: Technical Session on Stream gauging.
Questions and Answers Session
The Technical Session was followed by a Questions and Answers Session during which participants made various contributions and comments as well as asked questions after each of the Paper presentations. Some of the important comments made by the gauge readers are as captured below:
- Musa from Rutu Manual Station, Nasarawa State remarked that the stations have been down for some time and suggested that the team of experts should pay a visit for necessary rehabilitation works.
- Benjamen from Katsina-Ala Station, Benue State explained that he joined the Police Community Relations group in his community and this has helped in a joint effort towards curtailing vandalism of stations within the area. He also narrated the arrest of a suspect based on the intelligence report of the group.
- Jacob from Makurdi, Benue State stated that making friends with the people whose houses are closest to the stations has also been a working strategy for his community. He commented on how his relationship with such people has helped in providing better security for the equipment installed at the station.
Closing Remarks and Vote of thanks by the Deputy Director of Engineering Hydrology Department, NIHSA, Mrs. Fashe H. Adam.
Field/Physical Demonstration Session:
The Workshop also featured a physical demonstration session which took place on the field at a nearby stream. During this session, gauge readers proficiency were assessed on the following:
- Taking readings from various gauges placed along the stream.
- Basic leveling for obtaining water level at a gauge station.
Pix 3: Participants on the field during the physical demonstration session.
Pix 4: Physical demonstration on water level measurement using a manual gauge.
The participants expressed their gratitude to the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) for putting together the Workshop towards enhancing their capacity as gauge readers in their respective communities.
23rd August 2021
Engineering Hydrology Department, NIHSA.
