The Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (O-ORBDA) and the Ogun State Government have indicated interest in collaborating on sustainable irrigation and power projects as well as other sustainable agriculture initiatives.
Dr. Angel Adelaja-Kuye, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Ogun State on Agriculture, revealed this information in a statement released on Sunday while paying a courtesy call to Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, the MD/CEO of O-ORBDA.
“The government seeks to partner with O-ORBDA to meet the agency’s goals and objectives in the area of food production,” Adelaja-Kuye said during the visit, referring to the state government’s ISEYA Agenda, which is supported by Governor Dapo Abiodun. There are currently many possibilities available from the Nigerian government to improve food security.
“Therefore, we also think that working with O-ORBDA might greatly increase our influence on food security.”
She went on to say that the purpose of the tour was to explicitly talk about the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria project’s prospects while utilising O-ORBDA’s extensive knowledge in this area.
Ashiru responded by welcoming Adelaja-Kuye and expressing gratitude to the state government for their interest in irrigation.
He clarified that the Mokoloki farm project has been selected for the project and that irrigation and hydropower are the two elements of SPIN.
Ashiru advised the state government to either bring up new land for irrigation or invest in the Mokoloki project.
He said that the second alternative would include a fresh analysis and design of an irrigation system as well as the building of new facilities that the design suggests.
“At the moment, we have roughly 4,000 hectares of land available, and communities have already encroached on the remaining portion of the acquired land mass,” Ashiru stated.
Through investments in irrigation, dams, storage infrastructure, and hydropower facilities, the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) initiative will address Nigeria’s difficulties with water resources management, water security, and energy security.
“The project aims to promote sustainable development, efficient water resource utilisation, and strengthen integrated water resources management practices by mobilising water for productive purposes, optimising the use of existing storage facilities, and enhancing hydropower generation capacity.”
