Last Updated on September 20, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olaoye Oyewole & Bolanle Olawepo
The Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) has initiated plans to begin the construction of the donated solar-powered borehole to the College of Engineering (COLENG), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
The donation fulfils a promise made earlier by OORBDA during the 2023/2024 Academic Session Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Graduate Membership Induction Ceremony held for COLENG graduates.
As part of this commitment, an OORBDA delegation, led by Mr. Sunday Akindele visited the University on September 18, 2025, to inspect the proposed site for installation. The delegation was warmly received by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, and in the company of the Ag. Dean of COLENG, Prof. Rasaq Adetunji.
Prof. Dairo, on behalf of the University, expressed appreciation to the Management of OORBDA, led by its Managing Director, Engr. (Dr.) Adedeji Ashiru (FNSE), describing the gesture as timely and impactful. He emphasised that the facility would ease water supply challenges in the College of Engineering and catalyse stronger institutional collaboration.
Also expressing gratitude, Prof. Adetunji, alongside Prof. Adewole Aderinlewo, Chairman of the COLENG Induction Planning Committee, assured that the College would ensure proper maintenance of the borehole. In the same vein, The Ag. Head of Mechanical Engineering, Engr. (Dr.) Ben Anyanwu, who is the contact person for the project, commended OORBDA for “walking the talk.” He further appealed to the Authority to extend future projects, such as drainage systems and water facilities, to the wider University Community and its environs.
Speaking on behalf of the OORBDA team, Mr. Akindele conveyed the Managing Director’s regards and assured that all concerns raised would be communicated to the Authority’s leadership. He expressed delight at the opportunity to collaborate with FUNAAB and pledged OORBDA’s continued support.
A major highlight of the visit was the formal signing of the Project Site Handover Form by Prof. Dairo and Prof. Adetunji, signifying the official commencement of the project.
This laudable intervention by OORBDA is expected to greatly enhance water access in COLENG and strengthen the long-standing partnership between the University and the Authority.
