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AIYEDATIWA PLEDGES COLLABORATION WITH BENIN-OWENA RIVER BASIN AUTHORITY
…Mulls creation of farming zones for displaced local farmers
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has pledged his administration’s full support and collaboration with the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) to boost agricultural production, enhance water resource management, and promote youth involvement in agribusiness across the state.
The Governor made the commitment on Tuesday while receiving the management team of BORBDA, led by its Managing Director, Dr. Olufemi Adekanmbi, during a courtesy visit to his office in Akure.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed optimism that the new management team of the agency would make a significant difference.
He noted that although the original objectives of establishing River Basin Authorities have not been fully achieved, their continued existence remains vital to rural development and national food security.
He said: “Even though some past leaders of this agency may not have been able to achieve all they planned, their presence kept the agency alive. But I am confident that this new team will bring about positive change. You’ve identified key challenges, and I appreciate your critical assessment of the system.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa assured that the state government is making deliberate efforts to support farmers, particularly smallholders, through improved access to farm inputs, irrigation support, and infrastructural development.
“Insecurity has been a major issue, especially in areas where farmers have been displaced from their lands by criminal herders. We’re working hard to maintain peace and safeguard lives and property. We also recognise that land clearing is a huge cost for farmers, and we are exploring partnerships, to reduce this burden,” the Governor stated.
He added that the State Government is working on a World Bank-supported water project to provide clean, potable water to Akure and surrounding communities using the completed Owena Dam, which he commended BORBDA for constructing.
The Governor also called for better coordination with the Authority’s state office and promised to activate agribusiness in every local government area.
He stressed the need to resolve issues surrounding illegal land occupation, especially where BORBDA-owned lands have been encroached upon due to prolonged neglect.
The Governor assured that his administration is open to negotiation, including the creation of farming zones for displaced local farmers and dialogue with traditional leaders to reclaim encroached assets.
Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director of BORBDA, Dr. Olufemi Adekanmbi, described the visit as a homecoming, recalling his time as a Commissioner in the Ondo State Executive Council.
He congratulated Governor Aiyedatiwa on his electoral victories and said the Authority is committed to aligning its mandate with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in light of national food security emergency.
Dr. Adekanmbi outlined BORBDA’s interventions in Ondo State, including the completion of major dams, erosion control projects, and concrete channelisation in Akure.
He revealed that only a small portion of the nearly 5,000 hectares of arable land under the Authority’s control in the state is being cultivated.
Adekanmbi appealed for the Governor’s intervention in resolving land disputes at the Ero Irrigation Project site, protecting assets from encroachment near the Owena Dam, and completing infrastructure required to fully operationalise the dam for irrigation and water supply.
He also disclosed plans to revive the Igbokoda Poultry House and partner with the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the state government on a proposed hydropower project at the Owena Multipurpose Dam.
In attendance at the event were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa and the Head of service, Mr. Bayo Philip.
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