Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe, has appealed to the Edo Government to provide more land for irrigation farming in the state.
Ochekpe made the appeal in Benin on Tuesday when she led a delegation on a visit to Gov. Adams Oshiomhole.
The delegation comprised senior management staff of the ministry and the Benin-Owena River Basin Authority (BORDA).
She said that the importance of irrigation to farmers could not be over emphasised as it enabled them to farm all year round, noting that with irrigation farming, some Nigerians can be gainfully employed.
The minister said that her visit to the state and BORDA was to access the activities of the ministry on the field, adding that BORDA was the grassroots level Ministry of Water Resources.
She said that she was also in the state to inaugurate the completed Ukpoke Irrigation Scheme, adding that 45 hectares of the project had been completed, while another 35 hectares were in the process of development.
Ochekpe said that the ministry was responsible for managing water resources and adding value to the lives of the people.
She, however, appealed to the state government to ensure that the facility was put to good use, adding that there was the need for people to take advantage of the facility in order for them to be gainfully engaged.
Ochekpe also stressed the need for the ministry to partner with the Edo Government in the areas of irrigation and flood control.
Responding, Oshiomhole assured the minister of the state government’s support and pleaded with the authorities of BORDA to liaise closely with relevant ministries like those of agriculture, energy and water resources in the state to ensure that people took full advantage of the facilities.
the collaboration, the irrigation programme would be sustained and commended President Goodluck Jonathan for directing that all on-going projects in the country should be completed.
