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FG Drives Food Security with Solar-Powered Irrigation in Oyo
Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, has emphasized that achieving food sufficiency remains a critical goal for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Utsev made this statement during an inspection tour of the solarisation process at the Pivot Irrigation Unit, part of the Middle Ogun Irrigation Project located in Iseyin, Oyo State.
The minister highlighted that the administration’s commitment to food production, job creation, and economic growth aligns with the broader objectives outlined in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He reiterated that the Federal Government is dedicated to providing the necessary infrastructure and resources to boost agricultural productivity across the country.
The solarisation of the irrigation unit and its connection to the national power grid are key elements in promoting irrigation farming and reducing dependence on costly diesel-powered generators.
“The Middle Ogun Irrigation Project, initiated in 1990, originally aimed to bring 12,000 hectares of land under cultivation.
At that time, diesel-powered generators were used to fuel the irrigation systems.
However, due to rising diesel costs and other challenges, we are now transitioning to solar energy and connecting the facility to the national grid,” Utsev explained.
The minister also provided an update on the progress of these critical upgrades, revealing that 95 percent of the connection to the national grid had been completed, while the solarisation aspect of the project was about 85 percent finished.
These improvements are expected to significantly enhance irrigation capabilities, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for farmers.
Alhaji Dauda Ademola, Chairman of the Middle Ogun Irrigation Project Farmers Association, expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government for its efforts to modernize the irrigation infrastructure.
He called on the government to expedite the completion of the ongoing projects and ensure that additional facilities are put in place to further support irrigation farming.
Ademola emphasized that timely execution would not only benefit the farmers but also contribute significantly to Nigeria’s agricultural output and food security goals.
The transformation of the Middle Ogun Irrigation Project is part of the larger strategy to harness renewable energy for agriculture, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and encourage the growth of Nigeria’s farming sector.
Through initiatives like this, the government hopes to enhance food production, create more employment opportunities, and ultimately strengthen the economy.
Lagos State Police react to claims of them taking money from dispatch riders on the Coastal Road in Lagos.
It started after a rumour was shared that police arrest and take money from riders as a demand for high bribes, sometimes reaching ₦200,000, and seize motorcycles if not given.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, then addressed the claims online and stated in his statement that he disagreed that the rumour is true and stated, “The spread of misinformation only causes more harm than good. In this era, we can and must do better.”
It has been announced by the governor of Ogun that Tuesday 3rd of February is a public holiday in order to mark the 50th anniversary of the state creation.
This public holiday declaration was released in a statement by the secretary of the state, Tokunbo Talabi.
He then added that the holiday will provide as a day for the citizens to participate in the activities for the state milestone.
Former Kogi politician, Dino Melaye, faces backlash from the public after he shared a video on social media of him abroad and living well through his luxurious lifestyle.
In the same video, he speaks about Nigeria’s current economy and shares his disappointment.
He wrote, “See country, God help us to build a true nation where our wicked leaders will be in jail and the right people in power. Nigeria must be fixed. YES WE CAN.”
However, many state that what he posted and what he is saying contradict each other, and they accused him of sharing his own records to know if he was a corrupt leader.
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