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OGUN, Nigeria - Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the neglect of the Oyan Dam by successive governments in Ogun State, which has contributed to water scarcity challenges in Abeokuta, the state capital.
Obasanjo pointed out that residents of Abeokuta have resorted to drilling boreholes for water due to the dam's neglect, warning that the consequences could be severe.
The former President expressed his concerns during a visit from the management and staff of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (O-ORDA), led by Managing Director Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, on the occasion of World Water Day.
He emphasized the need to eliminate water resource wastage, underscoring that effective water management is essential for achieving food security and sufficiency.
"We cannot underestimate the importance or utility of water in human life, which is why we say that water has no enemy. If we only rely on rainfall for agriculture, we will not succeed. Rain may arrive too early or too late, and there could be droughts or floods, all of which negatively affect food production and security," he stated.
He also mentioned that the dam was designed to generate nine megawatts of electricity, asserting that if the dam were operational, it would significantly enhance power supply.
Earlier, Ashiru noted that the visit was meant to acknowledge the former President's vision in establishing the 11 river basins 48 years ago.
However, the Oyo State Government, through the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), has committed to providing clean and safe drinking water for residents.
In a statement on Sunday, RUWASSA Chairman Babalola Afobaje assured that the Oyo State government will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to improve access to clean water, develop climate-resilient infrastructure, and reinforce policies that ensure a water-secure future for Oyo State.
