News in brief:
– Ogun-Osun River Basin procures 25 tractors and constructs 7 dams with irrigation to enhance agricultural output.
– Collaboration with FUNAAB supports youth empowerment, dry season farming, and food security in Nigeria.
The Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (O-ORBDA) recently procured 25 tractors for dry-season farming and awarded contracts for the construction of seven dams with irrigation facilities across its four-state coverage area.
Dr Adedeji Ashiru, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of O-ORBDA, disclosed this during a visit by the Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). The visit, led by the Council’s Chairman, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji land, highlighted the agency’s commitment to food production and youth empowerment.
Collaboration with FUNAAB for agricultural advancement
Speaking during the visit, Dr Ashiru emphasised the agency’s goal of strengthening its partnership with FUNAAB to advance the agricultural sector.
“We share a common goal of promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing food security, and empowering our youth to become leaders in the agricultural industry,” he said.
Ashiru announced that O-ORBDA plans to collaborate with FUNAAB on an irrigation project at the university’s dam site, aiming to maximise the vast hectares of arable land available for food production.
Youth empowerment through agriculture
To further support agricultural development, the agency recently inaugurated 50 graduates into its Graduate Youth Empowerment Programme. The six-month initiative equips participants with agricultural skills and resources, with plans to allocate land to successful trainees at FUNAAB.
“The availability of land at the university provides a unique opportunity for young graduates to establish themselves in agriculture,” Ashiru remarked, adding that these efforts align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to ensure food security in the country.
Strategic investments in infrastructure
The construction of seven dams with irrigation facilities is expected to boost dry-season farming, ensuring year-round agricultural productivity. These initiatives reflect O-ORBDA’s commitment to addressing challenges in the agricultural sector and fostering economic growth.
“We are confident that this engagement with FUNAAB and our ongoing projects will yield fruitful outcomes, benefiting both our organization and the nation at large,” Ashiru concluded.
