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Tag: Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority

  • Our greenhouse projects will boost dry season food production- OORBDA MD

    Our greenhouse projects will boost dry season food production- OORBDA MD

    The Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) has firmly addressed recent criticisms of its greenhouse initiatives, standing by its reported accomplishments while reaffirming its commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s agricultural sector under the leadership of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Dr. Adedeji Ashiru.  

    In a statement jointly issued by Dr. Ashiru, Mr. Femi Dokunmu, the Authority’s Executive Director of Planning and Design and Engr. Taiwo Ogunshoro, Head of Construction. Dr Ashiru further provided detailed clarifications on the Authority’s greenhouse projects, confirming the completion of 73 new greenhouses, full rehabilitation of five others, and ongoing plans to refurbish an additional 15 units. 

    He said the contracts have been awarded for 220 more greenhouses, with delivery expected by 2025. These developments, he emphasised, are critical to ensuring year-round food production in line with President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security.  

    “Greenhouses are not just structures; they are a lifeline for sustainable agriculture, especially during dry seasons when traditional farming faces challenges,” Dr. Ashiru stated. “Our initiatives are designed to guarantee uninterrupted food supply, and every figure we present is backed by verifiable progress.”  

    “Access to clean water has also improved significantly. In 2024, the Authority awarded contracts for 400 solar-powered boreholes targeting rural communities across its seven-state coverage. Many have since been completed and commissioned, bringing safe, reliable groundwater to households and farms.

    Progress has also been recorded in reviving the dormant hydropower potential of the Ikere Gorge and Oyan dams, both built in the 1980s.”

    Responding to claims of exaggerated project figures, the OORBDA chief explained that the total count of 313 greenhouses encompasses completed units, those under construction, and newly awarded contracts. “When we report our achievements, we account for all active and forthcoming projects,” he clarified. “Transparency and accountability remain the cornerstones of our operations.”  

    Dr. Ashiru further emphasised that; all projects fall squarely within the Authority’s legal mandate of managing water resources, promoting irrigation, controlling floods and erosion, and generating hydropower.

    Supporting Dr. Ashiru’s assertions, Mr. Femi Dokunmu, the Authority’s Executive Director of Planning and Design, praised the Managing Director’s leadership for revitalising previously stalled initiatives. “Under Dr. Ashiru’s guidance, we have breathed new life into dormant projects, delivering tangible results that benefit our communities,” Dokunmu said. He also pointed to the recent commissioning of solar-powered boreholes, which have significantly improved water access for rural residents.  

    Engr. Taiwo Ogunshoro, Head of Construction at OORBDA, assured that all road projects adhere to strict quality standards. “Our asphalt specifications meet the required 50mm thickness, and in some areas like Okemosan, we have even exceeded this with 3-inch layers to ensure durability,” Ogunshoro explained. 

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    “We do not compromise on quality. The Authority is working in partnership with the Ogun State government, to restore power generation capacity to deliver decentralised electricity to nearby communities using surface water.”

    As the Authority continues to defend its programs, it remains steadfast in its mission to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural productivity through innovative and sustainable solutions. With greenhouse expansion, improved rural water access, and robust infrastructure development, OORBDA asserts that its initiatives are pivotal in building a resilient food system for the nation.

  • Farming: agency to create 10,000 jobs

    Farming: agency to create 10,000 jobs

    The  Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority  is set to create over 10,000 jobs in agricultural business to boost the economy.

     This was made known in Abeokuta at the kick-off of the 2025 Dry Season Irrigation Farming by the Managing Director  of the agency, Dr. Adedeji Ashiru.

     He said it has delivered over 13,000 irrigable farmlands across Oyo, Ogun, Osun and Lagos States, boosting food production and creating jobs.

     According to him, this intervention has empowered farmers, agricpreneurs and investors, reinforcing agriculture as a viable economic driver in the country. He said the kick – off  is a milestone in the agency’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and boosting food security.

     “This programme is a milestone in our unwavering commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and ensuring food security across Nigeria.

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    This initiative aligns with the vision of  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has made food security the top priority of his administration,” he said.

     Ashiru  stated that the goal is to reduce food costs and make food available.

     He  said the agency is building 12 dams across the Southwest to ensure the long-term sustainability of  irrigable farmlands spanning 21 locations across the region.

     The Managing Director said the organisation has procured 25 tractors and implements, nine already delivered, with  capacity training for staff.

      Acting Executive Director, Agricultural Services, Mr Noah Alamu said the kick – off programme was aimed at ensuring food production throughout the year.

     He praised the leadership style of Ashiru, who he said has been a pillar of support for agricultural development.

     The representative of Water Users Association from Oyo State, Mr Olugbenga Samuel and that of Ogun State,Mr Adelabu Akintayo hailed the agency for always blazing the trails in agricultural business.

  • Agency trains farmers in modern methods

    Agency trains farmers in modern methods

    Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority has trained over 200 farmers in Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Lagos states in modern farming, to enhance food sufficiency.

    Speaking at a training on skill acquisition in Irrigation Farming for Water Users Association (WUA), Managing Director, Dr Adedeji Ashiru, said the programme was part of efforts towards self-reliance, job creation, thereby contributing to GDP and abundant food.

    Ashiru, who noted that the value of farmers should not be relegated to the background, said this is because agriculture is the heritage of mankind, hence there is need to engage them and empower them productively, to eradicate hunger and boost food production.

    He hailed President Bola Tinubu, who he said without his approval, the progress and commitment achieved on agricultural activities would not have been possible.

    The managing director noted that things are hard in the country, but assured people there is light at the end of the tunnel with policies embarked upon by the administration.

    He enjoined participating farmers to ensure full concentration, hoping the training would refresh, rejig, rejuvenate and exposed them to opportunities and windows that agriculture offers.

    In his message delivered by Director of Agriculture, Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Shodiya Soetan, the commissioner for Agriculture congratulated the farmers.

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    He said one thing farmers always requested for in enhancing their produce was irrigation and modern ways of farming.

    Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Agriculture, Dr. Angel Kuye, in her message, commended the authority for being a good partner to Ogun State by making water available for farmers.

     state for irrigation activities.

    She also praised the agency for organising the WUA training, saying farmers and agriculture are the focus of the present administration, hence farmers are kings and queens in their own ways.

    Participants were taken on fundamental of crop production under irrigation system and practical demonstration of new methods in agricultural/ irrigation farming system by the resource persons, Mr. Ogunleti David and Mr, Kolawole Rafiu Olabisi.

    The farmers were then engaged in practical practice of modern farming skills on the field.

    Ashiru has said the authority has keyed into using solar powered pumping machine to boost agricultural production through irrigation.

    He stated this at a training programme for farmers on usage of solar powered machines for irrigation, organised by Ogun State Government, in collaboration with Heifer International Organisation and Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority, held at the authority’s headquarters in Abeokuta.

    He said the agency has installed a solar powered pump at its Ofiki Irrigation project in Oyo State to enhanced agricultural production. The MD/CEO said in view of the priority being given to agriculture by the President Tinubu administration, the authority is constructing seven dams and over 700 boreholes across its catchment areas, to aid food sufficiency in the country.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ogun State on Agriculture, Dr Adelaja Kuye, said the state was partnering with Heifer International to ensure all round year farming with the aid of solar powered pumps.

     She commended the management of the O-ORBDA for providing an enabling environment for the success of the programme.

     The programme was also attended by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ogun State, represented by Mrs. Shodiya Soetan, executive directors, directors and workers of the agency and farmers in Ogun State.