NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
River basin authorities pledge stronger partnerships for food security

River basin authorities pledge stronger partnerships for food security

358 total views today

By Akpan Glory

The River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) have pledged to boost the Federal Government’s food security efforts by forming stronger partnerships and adopting modern agricultural technologies.

Alhaji Abubakar Malam, who spoke on behalf of the RBDA Boards and Management teams at the close of a two-day retreat in Abuja on Saturday, acknowledged the numerous challenges facing the authorities.

He noted the persistent issues of ageing infrastructure, extreme weather conditions, and insecurity that continue to hinder optimal productivity across their zones.

Malam, who is also the Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, noted the dilapidated state of facilities and outdated equipment that limit the full potential of the river basin authorities.

“Our facilities are obsolete, and climate change is exacerbating the situation with flooding, erosion, and erratic weather patterns.

“Yet, we remain undeterred. We are committed to innovating, adopting modern irrigation technologies, and shifting the narrative of the River Basins to a more sustainable and productive future”.

Malam emphasised that these objectives cannot be achieved in isolation and stressed the importance of collaboration.

He stated, “We are committed to building strong partnerships, particularly with state governments, to ensure that local actions are aligned with national priorities.

“Collaboration is key to enhancing extension services, addressing community needs, and improving project outcomes”.

The Managing Directors also assured stakeholders that the river basin authorities will continue to maintain open-door policies under the federal government’s partial commercialisation framework, which aims to encourage private sector investment.

This framework is seen as an essential step in reviving Nigeria’s agricultural sector by providing opportunities for agribusiness development, rural economy revitalisation, and sustainable irrigation practices.

“In alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and 13 (Climate Action), the RBDAs are focusing on expanding irrigated farmlands, equipping farmers with modern agricultural techniques.

“Others are enhancing value chains to reduce food waste, boost production, and improve market access.

“These efforts are designed to increase food availability and contribute to the goal of achieving food security for the nation by 2027,” he added.

The Joint Appointees Forum further called on development partners, private sector players, and other stakeholders to seize the emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

The forum highlighted the potential for collaboration in revitalising rural economies through sustainable irrigation and agribusiness development, which will ultimately support the government’s food security agenda.

The retreat, which brought together the leadership of all twelve RBDAs, concluded with a renewed commitment to achieving tangible, measurable results. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

FG inaugurates River Basin boards, urges innovation, accountability

FG inaugurates River Basin boards, urges innovation, accountability

178 total views today

By Akpan Glory

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has inaugurated the newly appointed Governing Boards and Executive Management Teams of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs).

Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja on Friday, Utsev congratulated the appointees and emphasised their role in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He urged the appointees to prioritise performance, integrity, and innovation by setting clear strategic directions and fostering collaborative, respectful relationships with executive management to achieve results.

The minister emphasised the importance of ethical leadership, adherence to regulations, and a thorough understanding of the River Basin Act and Water Resources Master Plan.

He stressed that effective management of water resources and the expansion of irrigated farming are key to achieving national food security.

“Appointees have been urged to fully understand the ethical rules and regulations guiding public office in order to promote integrity, accountability, and respect in their conduct.

“They are also expected to familiarise themselves with the River Basin Act, the Water Resources Master Plan, and relevant policies to help shape strategic direction and introduce innovative ideas that will transform the sector.

“Furthermore, the Federal Government emphasised the need for a strong commitment to expanding irrigated agriculture across all River Basin Development Authorities, with the goal of supporting all-season farming and enhancing national food production”.

The Minister with the newly appointed Board Chairmen of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities

Utsev also highlighted ongoing initiatives, such as the partial commercialisation of RBDAs and youth empowerment programmes, aimed at boosting food production, creating jobs, and reducing poverty.

He encouraged the new leadership to explore alternative funding sources and public-private partnerships to enhance financial sustainability.

“As a strategic extension of the ministry, you must uphold high standards to deliver on national priorities. Synergy, innovation, and commitment will be crucial to your success,” the minister said.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, described the induction retreat organised for the board members as crucial in repositioning the sector for national development.

Pheelangwah congratulated the appointees and stressed the need for strategic leadership, collaboration, and financial discipline to achieve core mandates in food security, irrigation, clean water access, and rural development.

The Minister with the newly appointed MDs of River Basin Development Authorities .

He noted that the retreat would foster synergy and deepen governance understanding, urging participants to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.

Abubakar Malam, Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, responded on behalf of all 12 River Basin Managing Directors and management teams.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for their appointments as key actors in the nation’s food security and rural development efforts.

Malam also praised Utsev for his leadership and acknowledged the support of the ministry’s permanent secretary and directors.

He reaffirmed the river basins’ commitment to promoting food security, rural development, and economic empowerment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the agencies’ collective role in grassroots transformation through agriculture, infrastructure, and poverty reduction will strengthen the sector.

Malam assured stakeholders that the river basins would work collaboratively to fulfil their mandates and justify the confidence placed in them. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

New Sokoto river basin MD vows to restore lost glory

New Sokoto river basin MD vows to restore lost glory

466 total views today

By Muhammad Nasir

Alhaji Abubakar Malam, the newly appointed Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA), officially assumed office on Thursday, pledging to restore its lost glory.

Malam emphasised the grassroots-driven importance of the organisation and urged the management to establish a sustainable synergy to realign its activities with its original mandate.

“Our focus will be on increasing food production, reducing poverty, fostering grassroots development and ensuring sustainable rural investments.

“We will also strive to improve the livelihoods of the people across the four states under our jurisdiction,” Malam stated.

He further highlighted the need to provide a strong impetus for sustainable growth through agricultural investments to enhance the economic fortunes of the people.

Reflecting on the challenges ahead, Malam acknowledged that the task before the new SRRBDA management was a daunting one, given the current realities that necessitate the restoration of the organisation’s lost prestige.

“As we take on the responsibility of leading this organisation, I assure you that under my leadership.

“We will strive to improve staff welfare, uphold discipline and work ethics, recognise productivity, and reward excellence to motivate employees for maximum output,” he affirmed.

The managing director also announced plans to develop a comprehensive action plan aligned with the organisation’s mandate.

He said, “This plan will clearly define responsibilities at all levels to facilitate effective assessment and quality control”.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the new SRRBDA Executive Directors, Malam thanked President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Water Resources, and the Governors of Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina States for the trust placed in them.

“I wish to extend our profound appreciation to president Bola Tinubu for this opportunity to serve.

“We remain deeply indebted and firmly committed to the president developmental agenda and campaign promises,” he stated.

Malam assured that SRRBDA would complement the president’s initiatives in agriculture, agro-industrial zones, livestock development, rural economic growth, sanitation, and food security.

Additionally, Malam extended a hand of partnership to all federal and state organisations, agencies, and stakeholders, inviting them to collaborate in his mission to make a meaningful impact.

“We are determined to make a difference, and we welcome all stakeholders to join us in this commitment to progress,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email