The Federal Government and the Edo State Government have pledged their commitment to protect critical River Basin facilities and enhance food security across the state.
This commitment was reinforced when the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, led a delegation, including the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr Emanso Umobong and senior officials of the Ministry, and members of the Board of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), on a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, at Government House, Benin City, on Tuesday.
According to a statement by the Director Information and Public Relations of the Ministry,
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, said the Minister while speaking during the visit, underscored the urgent need for sustained collaboration to safeguard critical assets of BORBDA from vandalism, encroachment, and other threats.
He identified the Obayantor Integrated Farm as a major concern, noting that its operations have been adversely affected by such activities.
He called for strengthened security presence and the support of the Edo State Government in protecting facilities and recovering encroached farmlands in Obayantor, Illushi-Ega, Ukpoke, Ewatto, and Lampese.
The Minister also raised concerns about the operation of a borrow pit at Obayantor, urging the state government to ensure strict compliance with environmental regulations.
He commended the Governor for his earlier visit to the River Basin headquarters in Obayantor and advocated deeper collaboration in rehabilitating the facility to serve as a hub for youth empowerment in agriculture and water resources management.
On infrastructure development, Prof. Utsev disclosed that the jointly implemented Jattu Dam project has recorded significant progress. He appealed to the Edo State Government to fulfil its counterpart funding obligation, representing 25 percent of the total project cost, to facilitate timely completion.
He further called for urgent intervention at the Auchi Integrated Farm to address gully erosion threatening the facility. While commending the Governor’s leadership and ongoing infrastructure initiatives in the state, the Minister also acknowledged Edo State’s support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
In his response, Governor Monday Okpebholo reaffirmed Edo State’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Federal Government to accelerate water infrastructure development, strengthen security around critical assets, and deliver tangible benefits to residents.
The Governor emphasized that strong federal–state partnerships are vital for sustainable development, particularly in the water sector. He expressed concern over incidents of vandalism, noting that the establishment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) would significantly enhance the protection of lives and infrastructure.
He also assured that the state government would consider meeting its counterpart funding obligations for ongoing federal water projects, particularly the Jattu Dam in Etsako West Local Government Area, in the overall interest of the people.
Earlier, during the Minister’s working visit to BORBDA, the Managing Director, Dr. Olufemi Samuel Adekanmbi, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to repositioning river basin operations as a key driver of water resources management, food security, and economic growth.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency despite prevailing challenges, and expressed optimism that BORBDA will scale up its interventions and deliver on its mandate to boost food production and improve livelihoods across its areas of operation.
The visit underscores the renewed commitment of both the Federal Government and Edo State Government to strengthening collaboration in protecting national assets, advancing agricultural productivity, and ensuring long-term food security.
