Our Greenhouse Projects Will Boost Dry Season Food Production –Ogun-Osun RBDA Boss

The Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) has firmly addressed recent criticisms of its greenhouse initiatives, standing by its reported accomplishments while reaffirming its commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s agricultural sector under the leadership of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Dr. Adedeji Ashiru.

A press statement jointly issued by Dr. Ashiru, Mr. Femi Dokunmu, the Authority’s Executive Director of Planning and Design and Engr. Taiwo Ogunshoro, Head of Construction, further provided detailed clarifications on the Authority’s greenhouse projects.

They confirmed the completion of 73 new greenhouses, full rehabilitation of five others, and ongoing plans to refurbish an additional 15 units.

Furthermore, contracts have been awarded for 220 more greenhouses, with delivery expected by 2025. These developments, he emphasised, are critical to ensuring year-round food production in line with President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security.

“Greenhouses are not just structures; they are a lifeline for sustainable agriculture, especially during dry seasons when traditional farming faces challenges,” Dr. Ashiru stated. “Our initiatives are designed to guarantee uninterrupted food supply, and every figure we present is backed by verifiable progress.

“Access to clean water has also improved significantly. In 2024, the Authority awarded contracts for 400 solar-powered boreholes targeting rural communities across its seven-state coverage. Many have since been completed and commissioned, bringing safe, reliable groundwater to households and farms.

“Progress has also been recorded in reviving the dormant hydropower potential of the Ikere Gorge and Oyan dams, both built in the 1980s.”

Responding to claims of exaggerated project figures, the OORBDA chief explained that the total count of 313 greenhouses encompasses completed units, those under construction, and newly awarded contracts.

“When we report our achievements, we account for all active and forthcoming projects,” he clarified. “Transparency and accountability remain the cornerstones of our operations.”

Dr. Ashiru further emphasised that; all projects fall squarely within the Authority’s legal mandate of managing water resources, promoting irrigation, controlling floods and erosion, and generating hydropower.

Supporting Dr. Ashiru’s assertions, Dokunmu, the Authority’s Executive Director of Planning and Design, praised the Managing Director’s leadership for revitalising previously stalled initiatives.

“Under Dr. Ashiru’s guidance, we have breathed new life into dormant projects, delivering tangible results that benefit our communities,” Dokunmu said. He also pointed to the recent commissioning of solar-powered boreholes, which have significantly improved water access for rural residents.

Engr. Taiwo Ogunshoro, Head of Construction at OORBDA, assured that all road projects adhere to strict quality standards.

“Our asphalt specifications meet the required 50mm thickness, and in some areas like Okemosan, we have even exceeded this with 3-inch layers to ensure durability,” Ogunshoro explained.

“We do not compromise on quality. The Authority is working in partnership with the Ogun State government, to restore power generation capacity to deliver decentralised electricity to nearby communities using surface water.”

As the Authority continues to defend its programs, it remains steadfast in its mission to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural productivity through innovative and sustainable solutions.

With greenhouse expansion, improved rural water access, and robust infrastructure development, OORBDA asserts that its initiatives are pivotal in building a resilient food system for the nation.