The Federal Government of Nigeria has received commendation from the Osun State Government over the execution of water projects in the State.
The Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola gave the praise when he paid a courtesy visit on the Minister of Water Resources, Sarah Reng Ochkpe in her office recently. He also acknowledged the tremendous work which President Goodluck Jonathan is doing through water provision to the state. According to him, Ilesha has been without water for the past 50 years before the Federal Government came to her aid by releasing funds to complete the dam.
"I am quite impressed with what you people have done in Osun state and I find it necessary to come here to express my profound gratitude to the Federal Government, especially in the construction of Ilesha water project," he emphasized.
He further disclosed that the Ogun- Osun River Basin projects in the State which are twelve in number as well as the Ilesha Dam are considered a great honour done to the State by President Goodluck Jonathan. He reminded the Water Resources Minister about the Ife Dam, noting that completing the dam would be an honour done to the entire Yoruba race.
The Governor also solicited for the support of the Ministry in constructing treatment plants, promising that the State Government would reticulate and distribute the water to the people. He said that though the state is expected to construct the treatment plant, it does not have the funds required for the project.
Speaking on irrigation, the Governor said that the State needs irrigation for all season farming and pleaded for more Federal Government's support in this regard."Please don't relent on your efforts towards doing your best for Osun state," he called.
In her response to the requests, the Minister of Water Resources said that the on-going projects of the Ministry in Osun State and other states of the federation are the products of President Jonathan's determination to complete all abandoned projects across the country that are capable of bringing benefits to the Nigerian people.
Sarah Ochekpe also stated the Federal Government's desire for stronger partnership with state governments for service to the people of Nigeria. According to her, the responsibility of the ministry is to provide fresh bulk water whilst the provision of treatment plants and water reticulation is vested on the state.
Speaking further, she said that President Goodluck Jonathan is committed to achieving agricultural transformation in the country through irrigation and water supply projects for food security. "Since it is obvious that rain- fed agriculture alone cannot guarantee food security to the nation, a lot is being done to support irrigation projects all over the country and Osun State will not be left out," she explained.
Source: Osun State commends Federal Government over water projects (http://www.nigeria.gov.ng/2012-10-29-11-09-25/news/558-osun-state-commends-federal-government-over-water-projects)