BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
Permanent Secretary, Ecological Project office Dr. Aishetu Gogo Ndayako (M) with EPO Management staff, IITA & HJRBDA Management, and Project Consultants during the inspection of Kafin Chiri Dam in Kano over the weekend.
In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the Ecological Project Office (EPO) has promised to spread more intervention projects across the States.
Permanent Secretary of EPO, Dr Aishetu Gogo Ndayako stated this over the weekend during stakeholders' engagement and inspection of Kano irrigation project.
The project comprised of Tiga Dam, Challawa Dam, and Kafin Chiri Dam.
She disclosed that Mr President is committed to ameliorating the plight of Kano residents and improving socio-economic benefit within the catchment area and Nigeria generally.
The permanent secretary informed that the intervention project will be divided into three components such as infrastructure rehabilitation around the three dams, construction of roads and bridges; and utilisation of the dams.
She listed other benefits of the project as provision of sufficient water storage for the dams; increased crop yield; employment opportunities; strengthening local economies; extending dam lifespan; and reducing risk of dam failure for the safety of benefitting communities.
At the press briefing, Director of Irrigation, Hadejia Jama'are River Basin Development Authority, Engr Abdulsalam Yakasau stated that the construction of Tiga, Challawa and Kafin Chiri Dams is very apt considering the benefits.
Yakasau, who represented by the Acting Managing Director of Hadejia Jama'are River Basin Development Authority, Engr Bello Sani Gwarzo assured that the agency has necessary facilities that would assist in facilitating the success of the project.
The Head of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Kano Station, Dr Alpha Kamara pledged to provide quality seed of adaptable varieties, open up channels for community engagement and involve in capacity building of the value chain agent.
Kamara, who was represented by Administrative Manager, Rabo Ado also promised to provide leadership in land and water management; soil fertility and soil health management; irrigation management, market linkage, improvement of water shield system, building partnerships, and providing sustainable agriculture for the farmers to work together with input dealers and extension services.
During the guided tour of Tiga, Challawa and Kafin Chiri dams, ecological project office engaged with the communities in order to identify their challenges and expectations towards providing sustainable solutions.
Ndayako assured the community that the Federal Government will provide adequate solution to the challenges of irrigation farming in Kano state.
She charged the community to take ownership of the project, protect it when completed and provide adequate support to the people that will carry out various jobs in the benefitting communities.
Ndayako promised that EPO will ensure full sustainability of the projects.
During stakeholders' engagement, the Secretary of Water User Association (WUA) Mallam Mustapha Adamujawa, commended Dr Ndayako and her management team for citing the project at Dorawar Salau community and other parts of Kano state.
He informed that rehabilitation, expansion and channelisation are the major challenges of farmers around the catchment area of Tiga dam.
The women leader of the community, Saratu Sanusi appreciated the Federal Government for embarking on the gigantic project, noting that the project will provide job opportunities for youths in the community.
At Challawa Dam, Mr Sagiru Hussein appreciated the effort of the EPO and the Federal Government.
He appealed for speedy implementation and execution of the project, as it will go a long way to help the community in food production.
In his vote of thanks, EPO Director of Procurement, Dr Simon Omachoko appreciated Mr President and commended Dr Ndayako for timely intervention of the project.
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