FIC Report (Edo State) – Benin City — The Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) has commemorated its first 100 days under new leadership by Commissioning a series of impactful infrastructure projects aimed at transforming the Socio-Economic landscape of its host Communities on August 20th, 2025, Benin. The milestone event underscores the Authority’s commitment to delivering tangible development initiatives within a short period of governance, marking a significant step forward in its mandate to promote Water resource management, Agriculture, and Community development.
During the event, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, lauded the efforts of the Managing Director, Hon. (Dr.) Olufemi Samuel Adekanmbi, and his team for their swift and effective project implementation. Speaking on behalf of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Deputy Governor highlighted that this achievement is unprecedented in the history of BORBDA, emphasizing that for the first time, host communities are directly benefiting from the Authority’s interventions.
He stated, “On behalf of the Governor of Edo State, I commend the Authority for the remarkable progress made in such a short span. The interventions, including water projects and security infrastructure, demonstrate true leadership and a commitment to the welfare of our people. Extending Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to our communities aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. These benefits mark a new era of inclusive development, and we urge the Authority to sustain this momentum.”
Key projects commissioned during the event include the installation of five solar-powered boreholes located in Obayantor, Ekosa, Owanoba, Agbonmoba, and Iyanomi, which are expected to significantly improve access to clean water and bolster Agricultural productivity. Additionally, a new police post and lodge situated in Obayantor aim to enhance security, complemented by the donation of Hilux vehicles to law enforcement agencies to bolster operational capacity.
In the Agricultural sector, the Authority has initiated the cultivation of cassava and maize at Owena, with the goal of increasing local food production and empowering farmers within the Communities.
Looking ahead, Dr. Adekanmbi outlined ambitious plans to further develop the region’s Agricultural potential. These include launching practical, business-oriented training programs for young Nigerians, and forging strategic partnerships with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to expand agricultural initiatives. He also revealed ongoing collaborations with agricultural research institutes to promote climate-resilient crops and adaptive farming techniques, alongside plans to establish a sustainable water management framework for surface and underground water sources.
Dr. Adekanmbi reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to transparency, accountability, efficiency, and environmental sustainability, emphasizing that BORBDA is being strategically repositioned to fulfill its mandate effectively and deliver lasting benefits to its host Communities.
This milestone reflects BORBDA’s renewed focus on inclusive development, leveraging Infrastructure and Agricultural projects to foster economic growth, improve living standards, and promote sustainable resource management across the Benin-Owena River Basin. The Authority’s achievements in its first 100 days signal a promising future grounded in proactive leadership and Community-Centered Initiatives.
Signed
Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
ACI&PRO
FIC, Benin
August 23rd, 2025.
