By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Federal Government has indicated interest to rehabilitate the Kano River irrigation project in the North-West geopolitical zone for improved food production.
A press release from Ecological Project Office said the Permanent Secretary, EPO, Dr. Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, disclosed this when she received a delegation from Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority.
This was disclosed in a press release by Nnorom Ugomma, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Information) Head, Information and PR, EPO.
She said the Permanent Secretary emphasized the urgency on the delivery of the 22 projects earmarked to be carried out in Tiga, Callaway and Kafin Chiri Dams and pointed out that it must have the potential to impact security of livelihood through job creation and food security.
“Dr Ndayako highlighted the key objectives of the meeting which included discussion of the rehabilitation of the Kano irrigation system-a key project under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda; identifying infrastructural needs of the catchment areas in Kano; determining the factors for long term success; and development of stakeholder coordination and engagement strategies.
“She further stressed the fact that it is a project that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is interested in and has given the enabling support to have it executed, adding that “this is the first time Ecological Project Office has been called upon to intervene in this regard and it cannot fail”.
“Futhermore, she informed that the intervention will be replicated in the six geopolitical zones, beginning with the North-West which is expected to be delivered by first quarter of next year as the pilot scheme.
“Ndayako, pointed out that care should be
taken in rehabilitating the structures to forestall the September 10 flooding witnessed in Maiduguri and other parts of the country.
“She was also of the opinion that while providing water for irrigation and animals, the people should also be taken into consideration by providing treated water for domestic use.
“Speaking earlier, the Acting Managing Director, Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Bello Gwarzo, assured the Permanent Secretary of the Agency’s unalloyed support in delivering the projects in time and according to specifications.”
