By Abdullahi Lukman
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (O-ORBDA), Adedeji Ashiru, has called on traditional rulers to support President Bola Tinubu’s food sufficiency programme, highlighting their key role in mobilising grassroots participation.
Ashiru made this appeal during courtesy visits to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Authority’s Head of Public Relations and Protocols, Mr. Adeniyi Saliu, the visits aimed to foster collaboration between traditional institutions and the agency in areas such as irrigation development, resource sharing, and community mobilisation.
Ashiru stressed that traditional rulers, being close to the grassroots, are vital partners in ensuring the success of government initiatives, particularly the food production targets of the current administration.
“As the closest to the grassroots, we acknowledge the impact of our revered traditional rulers in galvanising support for government programmes,” he said.
“Our visit reflects O-ORBDA’s commitment to partnering with them to enhance food production, drive local development, and create jobs.”
Both monarchs pledged their support. The Ooni expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s agricultural efforts and asked for an expanded O-ORBDA presence in Ile-Ife, assuring the community’s full support.
He also offered prayers for the Authority’s success. The Alaafin of Oyo also pledged land availability for irrigation and agricultural initiatives aligned with the President’s vision.
Ashiru, who is currently touring project sites across the Authority’s jurisdiction, commissioned the Okuku Greenhouse Irrigation Project in Osun State.
He commended President Tinubu for releasing funds to complete 354 projects, which he said would boost food production and job creation.
Other completed projects include irrigation facilities in Sepeteri, Fiditi, Igbojaye, and Iseyin in Oyo State; flood and erosion control in Abeokuta and Osogbo; and asphalt road works.
The tour is scheduled to continue in Lagos, Sagamu, and Ijebu-Ode with further commissioning of irrigation, erosion control, and borehole projects.
Ashiru was accompanied by executive directors, departmental heads, and other senior officials of the Authority.
