Food Security: FG Partners Anambra/Imo River Basin Authority

The Federal Government has expressed readiness to partner the Imo State Government for enhancement of the Anambra/Imo River Basin Development Authority to boost food production
across the country.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, stated this during a courtesy visit on Gov Hope Uzodimma at the Government House, Owerri, Imo state.

The Minister revealed that the main purpose of his visit to Imo State was to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of projects initiated by his Ministry through the Anambra/Imo River Basin Development Authority.

“These initiatives include water supply, irrigation schemes, dams, reservoirs, sanitation facilities, and erosion control structures, aligning with the Federal Government’s mandate of cultivating 500,000 hectares of irrigable land nationwide for food security” he added.

The Minister congratulated Senator Hope Uzodinma, on his well-deserved reelection as Governor of Imo State and commended his dedication to the welfare of Imo citizens through various projects and Programmes.

Prof. Utsev appealed to Imo State Government for additional agricultural land and the approval of Title Deeds for already acquired land, essential for the partial commercialization of the River Basin Development Authorities and the introduction of Public Private Partnership into key projects of the River Basin Authorities.

He further called for stronger Partnership for the Expanded Water Supply and Sanitation, PEWASH, Sustainable Water Supply Sanitation and Hygiene, SURWASH, and other WASH sector intervention programs.

Responding, Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma who expressed commitment to fostering partnership for job creation assured the Minister of his readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure food security, emphasized the potential for steady electricity supply through hydropower in Owerri town and environs.

The Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts to enhance economic revival while calling for an urgent intervention in securing approval for a 10-megawatt hydropower system.

Governor Uzodinma who acknowledged the Imo/Anambra River Basin Development Authority’s positive impact on water supply, pledged support to the Federal Government’s agenda in boosting food security and job creation.

Also the Minister paid homage to the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty Eze Emmanuel Okeke, appealing for support in realisation of the various programmes of the Federal Government.

Edited By Grace Namiji