FG, Edo Strengthen Partnership to Protect River Basin Assets, Boost Food Security
FG, Edo Strengthen Partnership to Protect River Basin Assets, Boost Food Security
FG, Edo Strengthen Partnership to Protect River Basin Assets, Boost Food Security
The Federal Government and the Edo State Government have reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration aimed at safeguarding critical river basin facilities and enhancing food security across the state.
This formed the focus of discussions during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, to Governor Monday Okpebholo at the Government House in Benin City on April 28, 2026.
The Minister, accompanied by senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and members of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), highlighted the urgent need to protect key facilities from vandalism, encroachment, and environmental threats.
Utsev identified the Obayantor Integrated Farm as a major concern, noting that illegal activities have disrupted operations. He called for enhanced security measures and the support of the Edo State Government in recovering encroached farmlands in Obayantor, Illushi-Ega, Ukpoke, Ewatto, and Lampese.
He also raised environmental concerns over the operation of a borrow pit at Obayantor, urging strict adherence to regulatory standards.
On infrastructure, the Minister disclosed that progress has been recorded on the Jattu Dam project, a joint initiative between the federal and state governments. He appealed to the state government to meet its counterpart funding obligation to ensure timely completion.
Utsev further called for urgent intervention to address gully erosion threatening the Auchi Integrated Farm, while commending the state government’s support for national development initiatives under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In his response, Governor Okpebholo reiterated Edo State’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the Federal Government, particularly in water infrastructure development and agricultural productivity.
He expressed concern over recurring vandalism of public assets and noted that the establishment of a Forward Operating Base would enhance the protection of critical infrastructure and communities.
The governor also assured that the state would consider fulfilling its counterpart funding commitments for ongoing projects, including the Jattu Dam, in the interest of residents.
Earlier, the Managing Director of BORBDA, Olufemi Samuel Adekanmbi, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to repositioning river basin operations as a driver of food security and economic growth.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency and expressed optimism that enhanced collaboration would enable the Authority to scale up interventions and boost agricultural output.
The visit underscores renewed efforts by both tiers of government to protect national assets, strengthen agricultural systems, and ensure sustainable food production across Edo State.
FG, Edo Strengthen Partnership to Protect River Basin Assets, Boost Food Security
