The Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA), has promised to assist the University in realizing its dream of having sufficient water supply, independent power base, irrigation agriculture and engineering, through the provision of a dam.
The Managing Director of OORBDA, Engineer Jimi Omoliki, gave the assurance when the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole, accompanied by Principal Officers and Directors of essential services paid him a courtesy call.
Speaking at the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor stressed the need for stronger ties and collaboration between FUNAAB and OORBDA in the areas of capacity development, power generation, irrigation, security and good road networks.
Professor Oyewole said his administration is working round the clock to tackle the challenges of erratic power supply, inadequate supply of potable water and irrigation, through the provision of a dam.
According to him, “One of the challenges facing us today is water. You can help us to solve it. We have up to 70 boreholes on campus but what we need goes beyond boreholes. I was told that Engr. Omoliki carried out a study on our campus on the issue of dam. We hope to benefit from that study.
“We want to collaborate with you (OORBDA) to get a dam, the one on campus is meant for fisheries. We may not need to build a dam but you can extend yours to us. For instance, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) bills for the University has increased to over 100 per cent. We can’t continue like that”, he added.
Speaking further, Prof. Oyewole solicited the assistance of OORBDA in exposing FUNAAB Undergraduates to irrigation agriculture during their Farm Practical’s Year (FPY) and the Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS).
“There is the need for us as a nation to produce food, all-year-round. The answer is in irrigation farming. Our students stand to benefit from your irrigation programme. We need your assistance in the area.
I will tell you that you (OORBDA) are not just our neighbour. You are a forerunner, you got here before us and when we got here, you gave us a lot of support. For instance, one of our Vice-Chancellors and his Deputy, Professor Julius Okojie and Professor T.O Tayo were offered accommodation here. We’ve come a long way and we still need each other”, he added.
The Vice-Chancellor also sought OORBDA’s collaboration in the areas of security and the reconstruction of the deplorable access road along Camp – Alabata Road.
Responding, the Managing Director of OORBDA, Engr. Omoliki assured that the Authority will contribute significantly in meeting the University’s desire for a dam and also assists its students in acquiring the necessary knowledge in irrigation agriculture and fisheries.
Engr. Omoliki further assured that the two uncompleted boreholes, which OORBDA donated to FUNAAB, including the one in the front of the Unity Building Complex, will soon be ready for use.
He promised to collaborate with the University on security as well as the need to rehabilitate the Camp – Alabata Road.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oyewole, was at the occasion decorated as a distinguished Ambassador of OORBDA. He was decorated with the official insignia of OORBDA alongside the two Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Registrar and the Bursar of the University.
Last Updated on July 24, 2012 by admin
