News

World Water Day: Obasanjo Raises Alarm Over Incessant Digging Of Boreholes In Abeokuta

Published

8 months ago

March 23, 2025

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo has raised alarm over water borehole drilling in homes, declaring that the repercussions could be devastating.

He lamented that the incessant construction of boreholes particularly in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, was as a result of failure of subsequent administrations to sustain the Oyan Dam project embarked on by his military administration in 1977.

Obasanjo noted that the digging of boreholes everywhere to source for water comes with repercussions which could be devastating.

The former president gave the warning when the management and staff of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (O-ORDA), led by the Managing Director, Adedeji Ashiru visited him on the occasion of the World Water Day at the weekend.

Obasanjo stated that the Oyan Dam was created to generate power and water for the residents of Ogun and Lagos State but sadly, 48 years after it has not lived up to the reasons why it was constructed.

He said: “Oyan Dam was built to supply water for Abeokuta and Lagos but it has been neglected and ignored just like the turbine for the power supply.

“The water supply is not there for Abeokuta and we have rather continued to dig holes everywhere causing the water level to go down and down, that will have repercussions in the future, how long we shall have it I dont know but the geologist can do there job and tell us how fast that repercussions will come.”

He also called for the elimination of wastages in water resources stressing that it would be impossible to achieve food sufficiency and security without effective water management.

“We can not deemphasised the importance or usefulness of water to human life and this why we do say water has no enemy.

“This was why as Military Head of State in 1977 I realised that strategic water management must be part of our food sufficiency drives and food security and we created 11 River Basin including the Lake Chad.

“And what are we trying to achieve, if we have to only depend on rain fed agriculture, we shall definitely not get it right. Rain may come too early or too late, there may be droughts or flood all of which have telling effect on food production and security.

“So the first thing to do as part of measure designed to achieve food security is effective management of water for agriculture. All of the river basins therefore have facilities for irrigation to ensure all year round farming,” the ex-president added.

Speaking earlier, the MD of O-ORBDA, Ashiru, said that the organization’s management decided to pay the former president a visit and salute him for his foresight which made him to create the 11 river basins 48 years ago.

He disclosed that the vision for effective water management and sustainability which Obasanjo had since 1977 was captured by the United Nations about 10 years ago in Sustainable Development Goal 6 which bothers on sanitation and clean water.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

4 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

5 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

6 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.