By Stella Odueme
A 5-day South-South Regional Workshop on the Establishment and Strengthening of Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) in Public Irrigation Schemes has commenced in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The workshop which is organized by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, attracted key stakeholders from across the region, including government officials, Professional Groups, Representatives of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities, farmers, and water resource managers.
A statement by the Director Information and Public Relations,
Mrs. Funmi Imuetinyan on Wednesday in Abuja said that in his keynote address at the workshop, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation Richard Pheelangwah, stressed the importance of Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) in enhancing irrigation management, boosting agricultural productivity, and ensuring food security, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s priorities on food security. He praised the collaboration between farmers, local communities, and the government in achieving equitable access to water and infrastructure maintenance.
The Minister highlighted the transformative impact of the TRIMING model on the irrigation framework, including the reorganization of Sector WUAs and the formation of Water User Groups for joint operation and maintenance of irrigation schemes. He also noted the Ministry’s partnership with the World Bank on the proposed Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) Project, aimed at fostering collaboration between federal and state governments, River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs), and WUAs to ensure the sustainability of public irrigation schemes.
While declaring the Workshop open, the Executive Governor of the State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Sen. (Dr.) Akon Eyakeiyi expressed appreciation for the workshop.
He reiterated the State’s dedication to achieving food sufficiency and its support for modern agricultural techniques.
The Governor who described the theme of the workshop, “Revitalizing Irrigation and Drainage Management through the Establishment of Well-Structured Water Users’ Associations in Public Irrigation and Drainage Schemes for Enhancing Sustainable Food Security and Economic Growth” as apt ,noted that the establishment of WUAs was critical for ensuring equitable and efficient water distribution as well as contributing to the success of agricultural programs under the State’s “ARISE Agenda”.
Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Richard Pheelangwah who’s speech was presented by the Director of Irrigation and Drainage, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. (Mrs.) Esther Oyeronke Oluniyi highlighted the critical role of WUAs in equitable water management, promoting ownership among farmers, and fostering partnerships to enhance agricultural productivity.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director of Cross River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Bassey Nkposong, emphasized that the workshop aims to replicate the success of the TRIMING model in establishing and strengthening Water Users Associations (WUAs) in irrigation projects, particularly in the South-South region.
There were goodwill messages from key stakeholders in the water sector, including the President of COREN, representatives from the Delta State government, the private sector, and water management experts.
The workshop which ends on the 20th of this month is aimed at fostering collaboration among stakeholders to enhance WUAs’ role in promoting sustainable agricultural development.
