HONORABLE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES AND SANITATION, ENGR. PROF. JOSEPH UTSEV, VISITS THE AUTHORITY
The Honorable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev, has addressed concerns regarding annual flooding in parts of Ogun and Lagos States, offering a comprehensive perspective on the matter and outlining the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government to alleviate these challenges.
The Governor of Ogun state, Prince Dapo Abiodun, The Honorable Minister, Engr. Prof. Utsev, and other dignitaries inspecting the flooded region
Prof. Utsev stated this during a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun at the Government House in Abeokuta as part of his scheduled familiarization visit to the Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
The Minister firmly asserted that water released from the Oyan Dam is not the primary cause of the recurring flooding in the region and emphasized the crucial role of dams like Oyan River Dam in flood control and agricultural irrigation farming.
The official inspection entourage conducting further inspection and assessment of the flooded region
According to the Honorable Minister, the Oyan River Dam, with a *270 million-cubic-meters* capacity reservoir, remains in excellent condition and should not be held accountable for recent flooding incidents.
He called upon State Governments affected by flooding to enact measures to control their citizens' activities and prevent improper waste disposal and construction of structures in waterways.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of addressing other potential factors contributing to flooding such as Climate Change and absence of Drainage Systems.
The Minister disclosed that the Federal Government is actively working on a comprehensive strategy to better manage flooding nationwide, demonstrating the government's commitment to proactively mitigate flooding in vulnerable areas including Ogun and Lagos States.
He reiterated that the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has initiated the partial commercialization of River Basin Development Authorities across the country, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision for food security, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and bolstering the national economy.
The honorable minister, Prof. Utsev addressing the state.
Furthermore, the Minister encouraged the State to actively participate in the "Clean Nigeria Campaign," aimed at eradicating open defecation, and emphasized the Ministry's readiness to collaborate with Ogun State to achieve this goal, ultimately improving the health and well-being of its citizens.
In his response, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State acknowledged the water challenges in the State and expressed the State readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government in addressing these issues. He praised the leadership of the Water and Sanitation Minister and eagerly anticipates the positive impact of the Honorable Minister's tenure.
Pupils of the O-ORBDA Staff School welcome the honorable Minister to the Authority
Governor Abiodun assured the Honorable Minister of the State's readiness to engage in a collaborative effort with the Federal Government to tackle these challenges. He also commended the appointment of the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation and wished him a successful tenure.
Corps members of the Authority welcome the honorable Minister.
The Honorable Minister visited the Oyan Dam, the Authority's Headquarters where he inspected the Songhai Farm Project and the Isheri flooded areas of the State during the tour.
A group picture of the Honorable Minister, the Executive Governor of Ogun State, the Managing Director of the Authority, Executive Directors of the Authority and other dignataries.
