FARMERS/YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME/COMMISSIONING OF ILLAH-EBU CENTRE PIVOT IRRIGATION SCHEME IN OSHIMILLI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE
Following the resolve of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the President, Muhammadu Buhari has mandated Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government responsible for the promotion of agriculture to partner with Nigerian farmers to increase food and anima production per hectare of land by establishing training centers, the provision of infrastructure and the enabling environment which will lead to the creation of employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.
In line with the Federal Government resolve to increase food production, Benin Owena River Basin embarked on the establishment of Farmers/Youth Empowerment Program with the take-off of a 68 hectare of land provided with irrigation infrastructure for both rain fed and dry season farming and an additional 35 hectare for rain fed agriculture only. The initial phase commenced with 60 students where shortlisted from over 200 applicants drawn from several communities that provided the Authority with access to land. To ensure the involvement of each farmer, every participant is allocated 1 hectare of farmland – 0.5Ha with irrigation facilities and 0.5Ha rain fed. The graduate farmers have undergone preliminary training in modern agronomic practices in their choice crops to improve their capacities and maximize the yield from the available infrastructure.
HEADQUARTER INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Engr Saliu Osifuemhe resumed duty as the Managing Director/CEO of BORBDA on the 5th of January, 2017. Upon resumption, he met with the Management and Staff of the and immediately informed of his roadmap for the Authority. Top on the list was the development and rehabilitation of infrastructures in the headquarters and area offices.
Settling down, Engr. Ahmed swung into action by embarking on fixing a number of abandoned projects and initiating new ones, some of these projects includes, but not limited to:
1. Renovation of the Headquarters office building with state-of-the-art facilities
2. Construction of access roads
3. Purchase/refurbishment of non-functional plants and equipment (Bulldozers, Low bed, Motor cranes, Water tankers, Tippers etc.)
4. Sanitation and cleaning of the office environment which has become a new culture