The Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) is stepping up its campaign to mitigate recurring floods, expand irrigation systems and enhance energy infrastructure in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun states.

Managing Director Dr Adedeji Ashiru said the renewed effort has gained traction since he took office in June 2024, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s focus on food security and infrastructure renewal.

At a press briefing, Ashiru confirmed that the Authority is delivering on its mandate for water resource development through ongoing and completed projects covering flood control, agricultural irrigation and hydropower generation.

“In less than a year, we have opened over 1,500 hectares of land for irrigation, established 73 greenhouses, some already yielding produce, and awarded contracts for dams and access roads within our catchment area. These interventions address both flooding concerns and food shortages,” he said.

He explained that projects are being implemented in phases, citing the Alabata Road flood control scheme in Ogun State, scheduled across the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years, where drainage works are already underway.

Throughout the basin, the agency is building drainage and water retention systems aimed at reducing runoff and flood risks in vulnerable communities.

Ashiru underlined that the OORBDA is committed to transparency by employing open tender processes and real-time digital monitoring to uphold accountability during project execution.

Talks are ongoing with international partners, including a recent visit by a French delegation to Oyan Dam to discuss rehabilitation for hydropower generation.

“This extends beyond power supply. It is about fostering development, supporting agriculture, expanding clean energy access and improving livelihoods in rural and urban areas,” he said.

The Authority continues to collaborate with state governments, traditional leaders and community stakeholders to sustain completed projects and reduce opposition at the grassroots.

Ashiru also pointed out the importance of more robust public awareness, noting that many residents remain uninformed about the agency’s presence and interventions.

The OORBDA’s initiatives are aligned with federal objectives to boost food security, create jobs and strengthen climate resilience through integrated water management and agricultural reform.