Tag: O-ORBDA

The Federal Government through the Ogun – Oshun River Basin Development Authorities (O-ORBDA) has empowered 37 young agricpreneurs with N18.5m start – up capital and charged them to contribute meaningfully to the country’s march towards self-sufficiency in food production.

The 37 who were already graduates with largely backgrounds in agriculture, underwent six months of practical training under the tutelage of O-ORBDA in three critical areas of agribusiness that formed the backbone of the Federal Government’s food security strategy namely: poultry production, arable crop production and fishery development.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of O-ORBDA, Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, who disclosed this on Wednesday during the graduation ceremony of the 2024 cohort under the Graduate Youth Empowerment Programme (GYEP), said no fewer than 208 Nigerians had been trained in agricbusiness and supported by the agency since 2016.

Ashiru commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership which had made the GYEP a sustainable project for O-ORBDA, even as he also commended him (Tinubu) for his commitment to ensuring annual budgetary provisions for the programme’s sustainability and success.

He urged the graduands – 19 male participants and 18 female participants to see the N500, 000:00k start-up capital gifted to each of them as an investment in Nigeria’s future and a seed that must be planted wisely to yield an abundant harvest.

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He said, “In accordance with the Graduate Youth Empowerment Programme (GYEP) Operational Guidelines, and as a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to the success of our graduates, the management of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority has approved the allocation of N500,000.00 as startup capital for each of our 37 graduating participants.

“This substantial investment of N18,500,000.00 represents more than financial support—it embodies our faith in your potential and our commitment to your success.

This startup capital is strategically designed to enable you, our dear graduates, to form cluster groups within your respective areas of specialisation.

“To our graduating participants, I wish to emphasise the sacred responsibility that comes with this empowerment. The N500,000.00 you are receiving today is not merely a grant—it is an investment in Nigeria’s future, a seed that must be planted wisely to yield an abundant harvest. Your mission extends beyond personal success to national impact.

“Promote sustainable agribusiness and adopt environmentally friendly practices that ensure long-term productivity. Contribute to food security -help Nigeria achieve self-sufficiency in food production and as your businesses grow, provide opportunities for other young Nigerians, model excellence and demonstrate that with proper support, Nigerian youth can compete globally.”

To drive food production and sufficiency, the government of Ogun State has expressed interest in partnering with the Ogun- Oshun River Basin Development Authority (O-ORBDA) on Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) alongside other Sustainable Agricultural projects.

This was made known when the Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Angel Adelaja- Kuye visited the MD/CEO, O-ORBDA, Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, an engineer, at the Authority’s headquarters.

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 At the meeting, Adelaja-Kuye noted that in line with the Ogun State government’s ISEYA Agenda championed by Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Ogun State Government seeks to partner with O-ORBDA to meet their goals and objectives,

“The Federal Government currently offers a multitude of opportunities aimed at enhancing food security. Hence, we believe a partnership with O-ORBDA could significantly amplify our impact on food security.”

She added that this courtesy call and meeting with O-ORBDA would discuss the modalities to implement the project while leveraging on O-ORBDA’s vast expertise in this regard.

 Replyin​g , Ashiru welcomed Adelaja-Kuye and thanked the Ogun State Government for showing interest in irrigation. 

He explained the two components of SPIN to include Irrigation and Hydro- power, adding that the Mololoki farm project has been designated for SPIN. However, he advised the Ogun State Government to key into the Mokoloki project or bring up a new land for irrigation purpose.

 The latter option would involve a new study and design of irrigation system and construction of new facilities recommended by the design. 

 Presently, we have about 4,000 hectares of land’s available while the rest of the acquired land mass have already been encroached by communities, “he explained. 

 The proposed Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) project will address water resources management, water security, and energy security challenges in Nigeria through investments in irrigation, dams, storage infrastructure, and hydropower facilities. 

‘’By mobilizing water for productive purposes, optimizing the use of existing storage facilities, and enhancing hydropower generation capacity, the project aims to promote sustainable development, efficient water resource utilization, and strengthen integrated water resources management practices, Ashiru added.