Osun Partners Ogun Osun River Basin to Revive Iragbiji Dam
By John Dike
The Osun State government has welcomed an expanded partnership with the Ogun Osun River Basin Authority as the agency tours ongoing projects across Osun State.
Addressing the delegation led by its Managing Director, Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, at the Government House, Governor Adeleke directed a more robust partnership between the state and the agency, considering the extensive programs the authority is implementing across Osun.
The Governor, responding to the state of the Iragbiji Dam, immediately directed relevant line ministries to work out measures to deploy the dam for irrigation purposes as proposed by the River Basin Authority.
He expressed surprise that the dam has remained unutilized since 2018, when it was handed over to the State Government.
Dr. Ashiru, in his address, listed several ongoing projects in Osun but specifically requested the Governor’s action on the Iragbiji Dam, which he stated the Authority completed and handed over to the State Government in 2018.
He informed the Governor that the Iragbiji Dam can be deployed for irrigation farming by the state government in line with the federal and state agenda for food security.
While approving the request, the Governor further directed the Commissioner for Water Resources and Agriculture to visit the site for immediate assessment, lamenting such unjustifiable neglect of such vital state assets.
“Our government is desirous of a strong partnership with your agency.
“As a government with a huge infrastructural plan, collaboration with the River Basin will enhance our efforts to ensure food security.
