The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has unveiled three strategic initiatives to reposition the nation’s agricultural sector and promote food security for all.
Utsev, in a statement in Abuja, reviewed his 2-day familiarisation tour of the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority.
He emphasised his commitment to infusing innovative measures into flagship projects and programmes of the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs).
The proposed initiatives are the Water for Expanded Irrigated Agriculture Programme (WEIRPRO), Partnership for Expanded Irrigation Programme (PEIRPRO), and River Basin Strategy for Poverty Alleviation (RB-SPA).
They are all geared towards revolutionising Nigeria’s irrigated agricultural landscape, enhancing food security, creating jobs, and propelling economic growth.
Utsev underscored the strategic commitment to innovative water resources management, promoting Integrated Water Resources Management and environmental sustainability.
The minister harped on cultivating partnerships with state governments and communities, transitioning from traditional farming methods to scientific approaches ensuring year-round farming, more frequent cropping cycles, and higher crop yields.
During the tour, the minister engaged with the Tor Tiv, Prof James Iorza Ayatse.
He sought seeking royal blessings from the traditional ruler and discussed federal intervention projects, including water supply, dams, irrigation, sanitation, flood, and erosion control projects.
Addressing the Open Defecation-Free campaign, the minister highlighted the role of traditional rulers and sought assistance from the Tor Tiv in spreading the campaign message for a healthier environment.
In response, the Tor Tiv welcomed the minister and expressed appreciation for the president’s decision.
He stressed on the strategic importance of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
Ayatse called on the Federal Government to construct more dams in Benue to boost food production.
According to him, when more dams are constructed, agricultural activities in the state will become all-year round for food security.
He urged the minister to liaise with the traditional institution in the state to identify areas in dire need of potable water and for the construction of dams for irrigation farming and other purposes.
The Tor Tiv assured the minister of guidance and commended his courage, decorating him with the complete regalia of a distinguished son of Tiv land.
The minister inaugurated the Lessel Dam, flagged off the Gajir/Abunde farming activity and Soil and GIS laboratories, inspected a rice mill, and distributed water pumps to representatives of Mbaku Community and farmers of Lower Benue, Markurdi farms.
Utsev was accompanied on the visit by the Director River Basin Operations and Inspectorate, Mr John Ochigbo, the Managing Director of Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, Mohammed Adra, Directors from the Ministry, and eminent personalities from Benue State.
