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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Federal Government has stormed Kano State with major projects aimed at boosting food production and tackling flooding, as it flagged off the Bela Dam Project and launched a pilot drip irrigation scheme in Bichi Local Government Area.
The projects were inaugurated on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, to the excitement of farmers, youths, women and community leaders.
Speaking at Bela Community during the foundation-laying ceremony, Utsev described the dam as a game-changer that would put an end to perennial flooding while opening up massive agricultural and economic opportunities for the area.
He disclosed that the multipurpose dam, with a storage capacity of 775,000 cubic metres, would support irrigation farming, domestic water supply, fisheries, livestock production and other agricultural activities.
According to the Minister, the project aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to boost food security, improve livelihoods and strengthen climate resilience nationwide.
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“As a nation, we can transform our water resources into powerful drivers of prosperity, food sufficiency and national development,” Utsev declared.
He urged the host community to cooperate with contractors and protect the facility to ensure its sustainability.
The Minister also launched a pilot Kaukau Drip Irrigation Scheme, where he carried out a symbolic planting of crops alongside the Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Engr. Suleiman Yusuf Bichi, and other top government officials.
Utsev said the move underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to practical, result-driven agricultural interventions.
Earlier, Engr. Bichi praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister for their bold leadership and support towards achieving national food sufficiency and revitalising the agricultural sector.
Members of the Minister’s entourage included Mr. Emmanuel Agbir, Representative of the Permanent Secretary; Engr. Christy Oduh, Director of River Basin Operations and Inspectorate; Engr. Mrs. Oyeronke Oluniyi, Director of Irrigation and Drainage; and Mr. Mukaila Babarinde, Director of Water Supply Services.
The colourful event drew traditional rulers, farmers, youths and women, who hailed the projects as timely interventions capable of transforming their communities.
