By Anthony Ochela, Abuja
Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has flagged off a Drainage and Erosion Control Project in Jahun Local Government Area of Jigawa State, reaffirming its commitment to flood control, sustainable water management, and agricultural development.
A statement by Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan, the Director Information and Public Relations, said the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, performed the ceremony on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event in Jahun, Prof. Utsev, said the intervention marks a decisive response to decades of erosion and flooding that have disrupted livelihoods, destroyed farmlands, and threatened lives and property in the community.
“For decades, this community has endured the devastating effects of erosion and flooding. Today, I am pleased to say that this long-standing problem is being decisively addressed through the intervention of the Federal Government under the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA),” the Minister stated.
He explained that beyond flood protection, the project represents a strategic and sustainable solution, as water that previously caused destruction will now be harnessed for productive agricultural use, enabling year-round farming and stable food production.
According to him, the initiative will improve local livelihoods and contribute significantly to increased national food production, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security and economic growth.
The Minister urged the benefiting community to take full ownership of the project, ensure its effective utilisation, and protect it for the benefit of present and future generations.
“Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and build a more secure and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
Representing the Governor of Jigawa State, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Aminu Usman Gumel, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the intervention.
He noted that the project would curb perennial flooding, improve the quality of life of the people, and boost the local economy.
He disclosed that a component of the project would enhance youth training in drip irrigation and assured that its completion would permanently address the flood menace in the area.
The Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, described the project as a deliberate effort by the Tinubu administration to adopt a holistic approach to modern irrigation systems.
He urged the people to embrace the opportunity and ensure the sustainability of the intervention.
The Chairman of Jahun Local Government Area, Jamilu Dan Mallah, delivered the welcome address at the occasion.
