FG Sets For 6th ICID African Regional Conference

The Federal Government says all is set for the forthcoming International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) 6th African Regional Conference, ARC, in Abuja.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev stated this while inaugurating two task team members and committee leaders in Abuja.

According to Prof Utsev the inauguration marks a significant milestone in ensuring a successful hosting of the event.

Professor Utsev who was represented by the Minister of state, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, stressed that the upcoming conference presents a vital platform for Nigeria to showcase its expertise and achievements in irrigation and drainage, with the National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, NINCID, spearheading the hosting bid and securing the honor to host the 6th Africa Regional Conference, ARC.

Utsev underscored Nigeria’s commitment to the objectives of ICID, highlighting the country’s extensive support for advancing water and land management practices for agricultural development adding that Nigeria’s membership with ICID dates back to 1970.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shinkafi, emphasized the importance of prompt preparation and submission of pre-event requirements to facilitate timely resource allocation and ensure a seamless conference experience.

In her submission, the Director Irrigation and Chairman of the Task-Team, Mrs. Oyeronke Oluniyi, who explained that ICID’s mission is to address regional irrigation and drainage challenges stressed the need for collaboration among member nations.

“With Nigeria’s rich history in irrigation and drainage management, hosting the ICID 6th ARC presents an invaluable opportunity to exchange knowledge, showcase advancements, and foster collaborations that will drive sustainable water management practices across the African continent”.

Members of the task team with Mrs. Oyeronke Oluniyi as Chairman and I.K. Musa as Co-Chairman, are expected to bring their wealth of experience and expertise to the conference preparations.

Also included in the preparations are President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Margaret Aina Oguntala and the President of the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, Sadiq Zubair to facilitate collaboration in driving Nigeria’s efforts towards a successful conference.

A member of the team, Prof. Musa Shuaibu of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, expressed gratitude for the ministry’s confidence in the team and pledged to work closely with stakeholders to deliver an impactful and successful conference.

By Georgina Humphrey