 has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing food security through){kind=link}
The Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing food security through large-scale agricultural infrastructure, disclosing significant strides in its ambitious greenhouse farming initiative.
The Authority is currently executing 313 greenhouse projects across its mandate areas as part of a strategic plan to ensure continuous food production, particularly during dry seasons.
Speaking to journalists, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Engr. Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, provided a breakdown of the ongoing greenhouse developments.
He revealed that a total of 73 new greenhouses have been completed, while five existing ones have been fully rehabilitated. In addition, 15 more are scheduled for rehabilitation, and contracts have already been awarded for 220 additional greenhouses, with expected delivery and installation set for 2025.
Dr. Ashiru addressed concerns and skepticism raised about the figures by some stakeholders, clarifying that the total of 313 units includes all completed, rehabilitated, and contracted projects. “When we unveil a project, we are showcasing both what the Authority has accomplished and what is already in progress,” he stated.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Dr. Ashiru tied the greenhouse project directly to the Federal Government’s food security strategy.
“Greenhouses are vital in ensuring continuous food production throughout the year, especially in the dry season when rainfall is scarce,” he noted, referring to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security.
He further stressed that the Authority’s efforts are not only geared toward short-term results but are also a long-term investment in sustainable agriculture. “Even during the dry season, food production must continue. Greenhouse farming enables that continuity,” he said.
The achievements of the Authority have been acknowledged internally as well. Femi Dokunmu, Executive Director of Planning and Design at OORBDA, praised Dr. Ashiru’s proactive leadership, stating, “Engr. Ashiru has breathed life into several projects that were previously inactive. The results are tangible, and the evidence speaks for itself.”
In addition to the greenhouse projects, the Authority has also implemented supportive infrastructure in rural areas. Dokunmu highlighted the recent commissioning of solar-powered boreholes, which have significantly improved water access in underserved communities.
Meanwhile, concerns regarding infrastructure quality, particularly roads, were addressed by Engr. Taiwo Ogunshoro, Head of Construction.
He dispelled rumors about substandard roadwork. “At every site, we adhere strictly to standard asphalt specifications. The minimum thickness we apply is 50 millimetres — that’s two inches. In some locations like Okemosan, we even go up to three inches,” Ogunshoro explained.
Overall, the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority appears to be making steady progress in revitalizing agricultural infrastructure and supporting rural development under its current leadership, with greenhouse farming positioned at the forefront of its strategy to combat seasonal food insecurity.