The Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) has responded strongly to recent criticisms surrounding its greenhouse and rural development initiatives, reaffirming the credibility of its achievements and its role in advancing Nigeria’s food security agenda.
In a statement jointly signed by the Managing Director and CEO, Engr. Adedeji Ashiru, the Executive Director of Planning and Design, Mr. Femi Dokunmu, and Head of Construction, Mr. Taiwo Ogunshoro, the Authority defended the scope and impact of its greenhouse farming projects across the Southwest.
Ashiru stated that under the directive of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and as part of the national emergency response on food security, the Authority had constructed 323 greenhouse units across six states in the region over the past year. He clarified that these include 73 completed units, five rehabilitated, and 15 others scheduled for refurbishment, while contracts for an additional 220 greenhouses have been awarded and are slated for delivery by 2025.
“Greenhouses are not just structures; they are a lifeline for sustainable agriculture, especially during dry seasons when traditional farming faces challenges,” Ashiru said. “Every figure we present is backed by verifiable progress.”
Responding to allegations of inflated project numbers, Ashiru explained that the total figure reported includes both completed and ongoing works, as well as newly awarded contracts a practice in line with standard reporting protocols.
The Managing Director further highlighted complementary achievements in rural water access, revealing that 400 solar-powered boreholes had been contracted in 2024, targeting underserved communities. Many of these projects, he said, have already been completed and are actively serving households and farms across OORBDA’s seven-state operational territory.
In addition, the Authority has revived hydroelectric development plans at the long-dormant Ikere Gorge and Oyan dams, originally constructed in the 1980s, as part of broader efforts to leverage Nigeria’s surface water for clean energy and irrigation.
Executive Director Femi Dokunmu commended Ashiru’s leadership, stating that the Managing Director had revitalised “several abandoned projects” and significantly increased the Authority’s footprint in community development.
“Under Dr. Ashiru’s guidance, we have breathed new life into dormant projects, delivering tangible results that benefit our communities,” Dokunmu remarked.
Head of Construction Taiwo Ogunshoro also weighed in, asserting that all infrastructure works meet rigorous standards. He said roads recently completed in areas like Okemosan were built with 3-inch thick asphalt layers, exceeding the standard 50mm thickness.
“We do not compromise on quality,” Ogunshoro said. “And we are partnering with the Ogun State government to restore power generation capacity through decentralised electricity projects powered by surface water.”
Ashiru concluded by reiterating the Authority’s legal mandate, which includes managing water resources, promoting irrigation farming, generating hydropower, and controlling erosion and flooding.
“As we expand greenhouse capacity and improve water infrastructure, we remain committed to delivering on our mission of sustainable, year-round agriculture and improved livelihoods for Nigerians,” he said.
The OORBDA’s defence comes amid rising scrutiny of public spending and pressure on federal agencies to deliver results in line with President Tinubu’s agricultural transformation agenda.
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