BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to closer collaboration with the Federal Government to accelerate water infrastructure development, tighten security around critical assets, and deliver tangible benefits to residents.
The governor stated this at Government House, Benin City, while receiving the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, who led a delegation from the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) on a courtesy visit.
Okpebholo emphasised that sustained federal-state partnership remains vital to achieving lasting development, particularly in the water sector, noting that investments must be protected and efficiently utilised.
He disclosed that he had personally inspected some of the facilities under the river basin authority and expressed concern over widespread vandalism and wastage of public resources.
“A lot of resources are being wasted. This is not acceptable. You cannot invest so much and have it destroyed by acts of vandalism. We are taking steps to strengthen security around such areas,” the governor said.
Okpebholo revealed plans to establish a security outfit in vulnerable locations, including Obayantor, which he described as volatile, adding that the deployment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) would enhance protection of lives and critical infrastructure.
On funding, the governor assured that the state would meet its counterpart obligations for ongoing federal water projects, particularly the Jattu Dam in Etsako West Local Government Area, which he said is critical to addressing water supply challenges in Edo North.
“We will look into the 25 percent counterpart funding to ensure we meet our obligations. But beyond funding, timely completion is critical. Our people need water, and that project must be delivered on schedule,” he stated.
He further linked ongoing infrastructure efforts in the state to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that Edo is aligning with national priorities through visible development projects.
Earlier, Minister Utsev commended the Edo State Government for its cooperation and ongoing infrastructural improvements, particularly road rehabilitation leading to federal facilities.
He, however, highlighted major challenges affecting BORBDA operations in the state, including security threats and encroachment on project sites, drawing attention to cases of vandalism and illegal activities around the Obayantor axis.
The minister called for strengthened protection of federal water infrastructure and urged the state government to assist in reclaiming encroached lands in areas such as Obayantor, Illushi and other operational zones.
On the Jattu Dam project, Utsev noted that significant progress had been made but stressed the need for the state to fulfil its 25 percent counterpart funding commitment to ensure timely completion.
He also sought urgent intervention at the Auchi Integrated Farm, where erosion is threatening key facilities, while commending ongoing road works, including the Benin-Sapele Road.
Utsev expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between the Edo State Government and the Federal Government would enhance water supply, boost agricultural productivity and drive rural development across the state.
