Former President Olusegun Obasanjo emphasized the critical link between effective water management and achieving food security during a visit by the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (O-ORBDA). He lamented the underutilization of the Oyan Dam, which he commissioned in 1977 as military Head of State, highlighting its intended role in mitigating water scarcity in Abeokuta and generating power. The dam’s failure to fulfill its purpose has led to a proliferation of boreholes in Abeokuta, raising concerns about the long-term repercussions on groundwater resources. Obasanjo stressed the importance of strategic water management for sustainable agriculture, advocating for irrigation facilities to enable year-round farming and reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture, which is susceptible to unpredictable weather patterns.
The visit by O-ORBDA coincided with World Water Day, themed “Glacier Preservation.” The agency’s activities included a sensitization roadshow promoting responsible water usage. Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, the Managing Director of O-ORBDA, acknowledged Obasanjo’s foresight in establishing eleven river basins in 1977, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation. Ashiru affirmed his commitment to realizing the founding vision of the river basins, emphasizing their crucial role in boosting agricultural production and flood control. He also highlighted the current administration’s focus on leveraging these resources for enhanced food security.
Obasanjo’s concern about Oyan Dam’s unrealized potential centered on its capacity to generate 9 megawatts of electricity, which could significantly alleviate power shortages in the region. However, the dam’s power generation capabilities, along with its intended water supply function for Abeokuta and Lagos, remain largely untapped. This neglect has forced residents to rely heavily on boreholes, potentially depleting groundwater levels and creating unknown future consequences. The former president urged geologists to assess the potential impact of this unsustainable practice. He expressed disappointment that both the water supply and power generation components of the dam project have been neglected, despite their potential to improve the lives of citizens.
The O-ORBDA’s visit underscored the importance of revisiting and revitalizing the original vision behind the establishment of river basins. Dr. Ashiru emphasized the agency’s efforts to maximize the potential of these resources for agricultural development and flood mitigation. He revealed that the Federal Government has allocated substantial funding for dam construction and irrigation farming within the Southwest region, demonstrating a renewed commitment to water resource management. This financial commitment signifies the government’s recognition of the crucial role of irrigation in achieving food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The allocation of N45 billion for 2025 indicates a significant investment in bolstering the agency’s capacity to implement irrigation projects.
The O-ORBDA’s engagement with local authorities, exemplified by their meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun, reflects a collaborative approach to water resource management. Governor Abiodun’s pledge to take over the Oyan Dam and utilize its power generation capacity signals a positive step towards realizing the dam’s potential. This collaborative effort between the federal agency and the state government holds promise for revitalizing the dam and ensuring its intended benefits reach the community. The governor’s commitment to tapping the 9 megawatts of power for the benefit of Ogun State citizens demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing power supply challenges within the state.
In conclusion, Former President Obasanjo’s call for effective water management highlights the urgent need to address the underutilization of existing water resources. The Oyan Dam serves as a case study, illustrating how neglected infrastructure can hinder development and exacerbate challenges related to water scarcity and power supply. The O-ORBDA’s renewed focus on fulfilling the original vision of the river basins, coupled with government investment and inter-agency cooperation, offers hope for improved water resource management and enhanced food security in the region. The focus on sustainable practices, responsible water usage, and the revitalization of existing infrastructure is crucial for ensuring long-term water security and supporting agricultural development.
