Ogun-Oshun Authority moves to stop floods, revive farmlands across S/west

The Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) is accelerating its campaign to curb recurring floods, upgrade irrigation systems, and boost energy infrastructure across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun states.

According to the Authority’s Managing Director, Dr Adedeji Ashiru, this renewed drive has taken shape since he assumed office in June 2024 and reflects President Bola Tinubu’s national priority on food security and infrastructure regeneration.

Speaking during a press briefing, Ashiru said the Authority is actively delivering on its core mandate of water resource development, with both completed and ongoing initiatives in flood prevention, agricultural irrigation, and hydropower generation.

“In less than a year, we’ve opened up more than 1,500 hectares of land for irrigation, built 73 greenhouses, some already producing crops, and awarded construction of dams which are ongoing and access roads within our catchment area . Our interventions target both flooding challenges and food shortages,” he said.

Ashiru outlined the Authority’s phased approach to project implementation. He cited, for example, the flood control project on Alabata Road in Ogun State, which is spread across the 2024 and 2025 financial years. Drainage works under this scheme are already in progress.

In all our catchment area, the agency has been constructing proper drainage and water retention systems to reduce the risk of runoff and flooding in vulnerable communities.

Ashiru stressed that OORBDA is adhering to strict transparency protocols, including the adoption of open tenders and real-time digital monitoring, to ensure integrity and accountability throughout all stages of project delivery.

The agency is also in talks with international development partners. According to Ashiru, a French delegation recently toured the Oyan Dam as part of ongoing discussions for rehabilitation for hydro power generation.

“This is not just about providing electricity. What we are delivering is development, support for agriculture, clean energy expansion, and better livelihoods in rural and urban areas,” he said.

Ashiru reiterated the Authority’s collaboration with state governments, traditional institutions, and local stakeholders to maintain completed projects and minimise resistance at the community level.

He also acknowledged the need for greater public outreach, pointing out that many residents remain unaware of the agency’s presence and interventions in their localities.

The OORBDA’s operations are aligned with the federal government’s broader agenda to strengthen food security, generate employment, and promote climate resilience through coordinated water management and agricultural reform.