By George George Idowu
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Odo-Ape Dam project in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Thursday, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the national declaration of a state of emergency on food security.
During the commissioning ceremony at Odo-Ape, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasized the dam’s significance in driving economic growth, job creation, and poverty eradication in Kogi State and its environs.
Prof. Utsev underscored the government’s commitment to water resources development for socio-economic advancement, highlighting water’s vital role in human consumption, agriculture, industry, and sanitation.
He said the commissioning of the Odo-Ape Dam reflects the administration’s dedication to optimizing the nation’s water resources for year-round farming to enhance food production.
He expressed confidence in addressing the populace’s needs, particularly in providing clean water, sanitation, hygiene, and food security.
The Minister added that the Ministry will collaborate with state governments, other agencies, development partners, and communities to realize the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister emphasized the Ministry’s Monitoring and Evaluation framework to ensure accountability in project initiation and implementation.
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He reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to sustainable water supply management, sanitation, and hygiene for a healthy and economically empowered society.
Prof. Utsev highlighted the operationalization of the Odo-Ape Dam as a pivotal step towards poverty alleviation and socio-economic well-being, contributing to food security and economic prosperity in Kogi State.
In order to encourage the farmers to venture into irrigation farming, the minister also announced the donation of a solar-powered irrigation pump to the community and assured training for farmers to optimize the dam’s utilization.
During the commission of the dam, Kogi State Security Adviser, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara Rtd, commended the project’s potential to enhance food production and also assured judicious use of the dam on behalf of the community.
The Managing Director of Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Dr. Adeniyi Saheed Aremu, on his part, reiterated the Authority’s commitment to improving Nigerians’ quality of life through water resources development policies.
He highlighted the Odo-Ape project’s focus on expanding irrigation capabilities and its significant capacity to benefit farmers and promote agricultural productivity.
According to him, the newly commissioned Odo-Ape Dam, has the capacity of 3.5 million cubic meters. The dam is set to irrigate 700 hectares of farmland, benefiting over 2,800 farmers.
The projected outcomes include the production of 3,000 metric tonnes of grains and vegetables annually, generating half a billion Naira in revenue, and promoting aquaculture development.
Recall that the Odo Ape Dam was awarded to Turning Point Engineering Limited in 2018 with the aim of providing irrigation for about seven hundred hectares of farmland.
