The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Deji Ashiru, has highlighted a series of developmental projects and interventions undertaken by the agency over the last two years, saying the achievements reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to agricultural development, water supply, youth empowerment, and rural transformation.
Ashiru stated this in a statement issued on Sunday to mark his second year in office.
He said his administration had focused on repositioning the authority to serve as a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development across the South-West region.
According to him, the authority has recorded significant milestones in water provision, agricultural mechanisation, infrastructure development, renewable energy, and human capital development.
He added, “The last two years have been a remarkable testament to purposeful governance, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to national development.
“Our goal has been to reposition the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority as a vehicle for economic growth, agricultural prosperity, and rural transformation.”
Ashiru noted that the authority had installed over 400 solar-powered boreholes in various communities, providing access to clean and potable water for thousands of residents.
He also disclosed that 16 agricultural tractors had been deployed to support mechanised farming, while an additional 60 tractors had been procured to further boost food production and agricultural activities.
“In line with our commitment to food security, we have cultivated over 5,000 hectares of farmland and expanded access to modern farming technologies. These efforts are helping to improve productivity and strengthen agricultural sustainability,” he said.
The OORBDA boss further revealed that over 100 modern greenhouse farms had been constructed, while another 200 had been procured to support climate-smart agriculture and year-round farming.
On irrigation and water management, Ashiru said the authority had embarked on the development of 12 irrigation dams, comprising four completed projects and eight ongoing ones.
He stated, “We have also installed sprinkler irrigation systems covering more than 50 hectares of farmland, constructed over 10 kilometres of access roads, and developed more than 25 kilometres of drainage infrastructure to support agricultural activities and improve rural connectivity.”
The managing director said youth and women empowerment remained a key priority of his administration, noting that over 200 youths had graduated from various empowerment programmes designed to encourage entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
According to him, more than 1,000 youths and women have benefited from the distribution of vocational tools, industrial machines, and laptop computers aimed at promoting digital inclusion and economic empowerment.
“We believe that empowering our young people and women is essential to achieving sustainable development. Through targeted training programmes and equipment support, we are creating opportunities for individuals to become productive contributors to the economy,” he said.
Ashiru also disclosed that over 200 farmers had benefited from capacity-building initiatives and support programmes implemented by the authority.
He said the agency had established a Songhai Model Farm and stocked over 20,000 fish fingerlings as part of efforts to promote integrated farming and aquaculture development.
The OORBDA boss further highlighted the construction of modern poultry facilities to support livestock production and agribusiness expansion.
Speaking on energy development, Ashiru described the concession of the Ikere Gorge Dam for a proposed 250-megawatt hydropower project as one of the landmark achievements of his administration.
“The successful facilitation and concession of the Ikere Gorge Dam for a proposed 250MW hydropower project represent a major milestone with the potential to transform the region’s energy landscape and stimulate economic growth,” he said.
He added that the authority had installed more than 10,000 solar-powered street lights across communities, enhancing security and improving socio-economic activities in beneficiary areas.
Reflecting on the impact of the interventions, Ashiru said the achievements represented more than statistical accomplishments.
“These are stories of lives transformed, communities revitalised, and opportunities created. They represent clean water flowing where scarcity once prevailed, fertile farmlands thriving where uncertainty existed, and empowered citizens charting new paths towards prosperity,” he stated.
The managing director maintained that the authority would continue to pursue projects and programmes aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He expressed optimism that the coming years would witness even greater accomplishments, adding that the agency remained committed to sustainable development and improving the living standards of Nigerians.
“Effective leadership is not about occupying an office; it is about creating impact. We remain focused on delivering results that will continue to benefit communities and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Ashiru said.