Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised concerns over the indiscriminate drilling of water boreholes in homes, particularly in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He warned that the repercussions of this practice could be devastating, attributing its rise to the neglect of the Oyan Dam project, which was initiated during his military administration in 1977.
During a visit from the management of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority on World Water Day, Obasanjo emphasized the need for effective water management to achieve food security and sufficiency. He noted that the failure to maintain the Oyan Dam has forced residents to drill boreholes for water, a practice he believes could lead to long-term consequences for water resources.
Obasanjo lamented that the Oyan Dam, designed to supply water and generate power for Ogun and Lagos states, has not fulfilled its purpose nearly five decades after its construction. He expressed regret that the dam, which could generate 9MW of electricity, remains idle, exacerbating the challenges of inadequate power supply in the region.
The Managing Director of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, praised Obasanjo’s foresight in establishing river basins for effective water management. He announced plans to construct seven additional dams across the southwest, with a budget allocation of N45 billion in 2025, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and flood control.
Obasanjo’s call to action highlights the critical need for sustainable water resource management in Nigeria, as the country faces increasing challenges related to water scarcity and agricultural productivity.
