Minister Introduces New Initiatives To Boost Food Production

New strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing irrigation development as well as boost food production has been introduced in Nigeria by the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

The initiatives would also address the challenges bedveling the development of River Basin Development Authorities in Nigeria.

Unveiling the three new strategic iniatives in Makurdi, the Benue State capital north central Nigeria, the Minister of water resources and Sanitation, Professor Terlumun Utsev said “that the proposed measures are geared towards cultivating more irrigable lands, aggressively combating hunger, alleviating poverty, and propelling economic growth.”

Prof. Utsev also disclosed that the inauguration of the three new Programmes under his administration which include, Water for Expanded Irrigated Agriculture Programme Partnership for Expanded Irrigation Programme and River Basin Strategy for Poverty Alleviation aimed to revolutionize Nigeria’s irrigated agricultural landscape, boost food security, create jobs and enhance economic growth.

Familiarisation Tour
The Honourable Minister who is on a two day familiarisation tour of River Basin Authority in Lower Benue noted that the Ministry is strategically committed to innovative Water Resources Management which aims to promote Integrated Water Resources Management and environmental sustainability, cultivate partnerships with State Governments and communities to enhance agricultural productivity, transitioning from traditional methods to “a more scientific approach” that guarantees all year round farming, more frequent cropping cycles and higher crop yields.

He emphasized the adoption of “advanced farming techniques” to alleviate the workload on farmers and highlighted the importance of community engagement to optimize land use.

He stressed the significance of training and capacity building, underlining the necessity for a robust tracking system for monitoring and evaluation. Furthermore, he emphasized the principles of accountability, performance with tangible outcomes, rewards, and consequence management.

Prof. Utsev directed the twelve River Basin Development Authorities, the Department of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate, and the Departments of Dams and Irrigation to formulate a comprehensive framework and strategies for implementing the three new programmes.

He noted that the initiative will be overseen by the Permanent Secretary and emphasized the integration of the presidential focus areas into the Ministry’s policies and programmes.

During the tour, Prof. Utsev visited the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Prof James Iorza Ayatse, to receive Royal Blessings and inform him of the Nigerian Government’s Intervention Projects and Programmes which includes Water Supply, Dams, Irrigation, Sanitation, Flood and Erosion Control Projects in the Catchment Areas of Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Kogi East Senatorial District, under the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority.

Use The Toilet Campaign
Speaking about the Open Defecation-Free: Use the Toilet Campaign of the Nigerian Government, the Minister underscored the crucial supportive role of the Traditional Rulers and sought the assistance of the Tor Tiv in spreading the campaign message to his subjects for “a healthier environment and promotion of healthy living.” 

In response, the Tor Tiv warmly welcomed the Minister and delegation to his Palace and congratulated him on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He expressed appreciation for the President’s decision and highlighted the strategic importance of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in sustaining life.

The Tor Tiv assured the Minister of guidance and commended the Minister’s courage, decorating him with the complete regalia of a distinguished Son of Tiv land.

Lessel Dam Commission
The Minister commissioned the Lessel Dam and flagged off the Gajir/Abunde farming activity in Ushongo Local Government Area. He also commissioned the Soil and GIS laboratories, inspected the rice mill, Songhai farms, issued certificates and starter packs to the 5th Batch of GYEP graduands.

He witnessed the induction of new entrants into the GYEP at the LBRBDA Headquarters in Markurdi and distributed Water Pumps to Representatives of Mbaku Community and farmers of Lower Benue, Markurdi farms, for granting 1,500 Hectares of irrigable land to the Federal Government for crop cultivation.

Prof Utsev was accompanied on the visit by the Director of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate, Mr. AJ Ochigbo, the Managing Director of Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Mohammed O. Adra, Directors from the Ministry, and eminent personalities from Benue State.

Shakirat Sadiq