Water & its Importance

WATER AND ITS SOCIETAL IMPORTANCE


Brethren, many people seem bemused at the choices facing them. And as a humanitarian, I bemoan such phenomenon because it signifies that we shy away from Economics. In Economics as a subject, social science to be precise, we were taught scale of preference. Scale of preference is that tool or mechanism that enables mankind to arrange his/her wants in order of importance. And this is where choice comes in.

Every living and reasonable soul is bound to make a choice. And if you are being faced with thousands of them (choices), you should be able to pick the most important. This is where your scale of preference comes in. For some of us in arts, you may not have been privileged to pass through Economics. But the fact remains that every created soul is gifted with the ability to make choice. Thus, the knowledge of scale of preference is naturally inculcated in us. Yes, it’s natural; not by our making.

In Biology which is a core subject (not elective), science precisely, we were taught that there’re six classes of food in existence, or that are available for human consumption. Among these six classes of food, there must be one that is more important than others. Or in other words, there ought to be one that is most important amongst them.

On the other hand, in Physics or Chemistry which is also a pure science, we were taught that matter is of three states; or that there are three (3) states of matter which are solid, liquid and gas. We were also taught that matter is anything that has weight and occupies space. Among the aforementioned states/classes of matter, there’s one that is of most important to the human body, and also to human existence generally. It’s not just scientific but natural. I’m sure you’ve not forgotten that science is nature. And nature is the supremacy. Let’s ride on!

If you can recollect our topic for today, you will vividly tell me that we’re discussing water and its societal importance. We must begin with a definition so that no one would be lost or missing.

According to BBC English dictionary, “Water is a clear, colourless liquid that has no taste or smell and that is necessary for the survival of all plant and animal life”. From my humble perspective, in a nut shell, water is the centre of all clarity and the input of all worthwhile end-points. Let’s analyze! I will not be ponderous in my analysis, though I shall be frank.

A renowned Nigerian musician, Fela Anikulapokuti of the blessed memory, once sang “Water no get enemy” which he went further to inform his listeners/fans that whatever one does on earth, he/she must need water. Beloved, truly water has no enemy; every man and animal on earth requires water for his/its daily strides, and most importantly, for survival. The example was shown by the “Almighty” through His son Jesus Christ; having fasted for forty days and forty nights, the first thing Christ sought for was water. Is of no need to cite more similar instances that took place in the past because we have thousands of them.

Let’s start with the economic sector. Electrical power or electricity which remains the most fundamental aspect of any socio-economic growth or development is being generated from water. For those of us in sciences, Physics taught us that. And it’s a fact. We have other economic importance of water too numerous to mention.

Let’s venture into the health wing. In a concise sentence, water is life. In an Igbo idiomatic expression, it reads “mmiri bu ndu”. Considering the six classes of food, we can discuss extensively on the health importance of water. Take for instance, for a whole day, one can dwell without the other five classes of food which are protein, carbohydrate, fat and oil, vitamins, and minerals but he can never forfeit water which is one of the classes of food for the day. Even while taking/consuming any of the other classes listed above, health wise, it is advisable to accompany it with water. See your doctor if you have one for further explanation.

Then physical wise. Taking an athlete or a sports participant as a case study, you will find out that none of the aforementioned persons can perform adequately without water. But he/she can perform without the intake of the other forms of food. Even in the laboratory for those of us in sciences, in most cases we find out that almost all the substances require water when being used for a certain chemical reaction. In Chemistry, this is what we refer to as dilution or concentration of a substance. Please see a chemist for more light to be thrown.

The last but not the least, in our various domestic activities or affairs, we adore water as if it’s our life. And truly, it is our life. Please don’t get me wrong because water is all over me.

Generally, liquid substances are of more economic and social importance than the other states of matter which are solids and gases; and water belongs to this class/state known as liquid. Thus, going by the above critique, we will agree that water is the most important liquid substance on earth.

Above all, in this case, the choice remains that water must come first before any other form/sort of food in existence. Think about it!

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COMR. FRED NWAOZOR

Social analyst & activist