By Abdullahi Lukman
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has commended the Ogun–Oshun River Basin Development Authority (O-ORBDA) for its ongoing efforts to enhance food security and water infrastructure, while urging the Authority to scale up its impact through strategic initiatives.
The commendation was given at the opening of a two-day 2026 Management Retreat organised by O-ORBDA in Abuja. Represented by the Director of Irrigation and Drainage, Engr. Mrs. Esther Oyeronke Oluniyi, the Minister said the Authority’s activities align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He highlighted key projects, including the construction of about 300 greenhouses—over 70 already completed—more than 2,000 boreholes to improve water supply and sanitation across the South-West, and flood and erosion control works at Owakurudu in Ogun State.
While acknowledging these achievements, the Minister charged the Authority to pursue greater results by boosting internally generated revenue, redeveloping existing assets, and leveraging partial commercialisation of river basin authorities to attract private sector investment through public-private partnerships.
Utsev also emphasised teamwork, capacity building, strategic planning and sustainability, expressing confidence that the retreat would produce actionable strategies to empower farmers, expand agricultural land use and improve food affordability nationwide.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the O-ORBDA Board, Hon. Segun Odebunmi, said the retreat was vital for strengthening collaboration between management and staff, adding that improved procurement processes are critical to achieving the Authority’s mandate.
Earlier, the Managing Director of O-ORBDA, Engr. (Dr.) Adedeji Ashiru, described the retreat as a platform for strengthening leadership, management synergy and reviewing the 2026 work plan with SMART objectives.
He noted that procurement training by the Bureau of Public Procurement was included to promote transparency, efficiency and accountability in project execution across Ogun, Osun, Oyo and Lagos States.
Ashiru said the retreat is expected to improve organisational performance, expand irrigation, attract investment, create jobs and strengthen water supply and sanitation services.
He urged participants to apply and share knowledge gained to ensure institution-wide impact.
The retreat was attended by executive directors, directors and deputy directors of the Authority, as well as representatives of the Bureau of Public Procurement.
