The Ogun State Government has taken significant strides at prioritizing the development of a water system that ensures the availability of clean and safe water, not only for domestic use but also for agricultural purposes.
The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, stated this at the Year 2023 World Food Day, with the theme, ‘Water is Life, Water is Food: Leave No one Behind’, held at Oja-Irorun Market, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
According to him, water is not only a life-sustaining element but a critical factor in agriculture, pointing out the relationship between life, water, and food in human existence.
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Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, Prince Abiodun, stated that his administration has provided access to clean water and installed the necessary infrastructure to support farmers as a responsible government, saying the significance of water was not only a life-sustaining element but a critical factor in agriculture.
“Let me also reaffirm my commitment to building a future where no one in Ogun State goes to bed hungry, where every citizen has access to clean water, and where the agricultural industry in the state continues to flourish. Together we can make this vision a reality and leave a lasting legacy of prosperity and sustainability for generations to come”, he said.
In his address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Samuel Adeogun stressed that water was a source of life itself, which serves as a nourishing force behind crops, sustenance of livestock as well as the essence of man’s well-being.
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He emphasised that water was not a mere resource, but the foundation of the food production system, noting that it was the responsibility of the ministry to provide sustainable water management practices such as efficient irrigation techniques, and rain water harvesting, in order to ensure farmers, have access to needed water for their livelihoods.
The Permanent Secretary said it was necessary to prioritise water quality, safeguarding it from contamination to protect both the environment and public health.
In her lecture, Miss. Stella Arowolo from Soilless Farm Lab reiterated the importance of water to food production and animal husbandry, adding that water was the main channel for nutrient absorption by crops and livestock.
Responding on behalf of other students from various schools that made up the young farmers club, Olalere Lukmon and Faith Imodu said the sensitization was apt, as it broaden their knowledge on the importance of water in farming and life generally.