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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has unveiled three new strategic Initiatives aimed at enhancing irrigation development to boost food production in the country .
The Minister made this declaration during a 2-day familiarization tour of the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority from December 19th – 21st, 2023, in Markurdi, Benue State.
He stressed that the proposed measures are geared towards cultivating more irrigable lands, aggressively combating hunger, alleviating poverty, and propelling economic growth.
Prof. Utsev also added that the inauguration of the three new Programmes under his administration which include, Water for Expanded Irrigated Agriculture Programme (WEIRPRO) Partnership for Expanded Irrigation Programme ( PEIRPRO), and River Basin Strategy for Poverty Alleviation (RB-SPA) aimed to revolutionize Nigeria’s irrigated agricultural landscape, boost food security, create jobs and enhance economic growth.
” 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 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.
The Minister 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, the Minister visited the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Prof James Iorza Ayatse, to receive Royal Blessings and inform him of the Federal 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.
Speaking about the Open Defecation-Free: Use the Toilet Campaign of the Federal 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.
He assured the Minister of guidance and commended the Minister’s courage, decorating him with the complete regalia of a distinguished Son of Tiv land.
